Alleged Mastermind of Illegal Religious Conversion Network Targeting Scheduled Castes Arrested in Lucknow

During these religious gatherings, baptism ceremonies were allegedly performed to convert attendees to Christianity.

Lucknow:

Officials announced on Monday that authorities have apprehended the alleged mastermind behind a religious conversion operation. The suspect is accused of enticing individuals from Scheduled Castes to embrace Christianity through various incentives and promises of "miraculous healing."

Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Nipun Agarwal identified the suspect as 43-year-old Malkhan, a resident of Baktauri Kheda. The arrest occurred Sunday on Hulaskheda Road in the same vicinity.

"After an FIR was registered against him, he had been evading authorities. A dedicated police team successfully tracked his whereabouts and placed him under arrest," Agarwal explained during a press briefing, accompanied by Additional DCP Ralapalli Vasanth Kumar and the area's ACP Rajneesh Verma.

According to the police statement, Malkhan had constructed a hall-like structure on his agricultural property that allegedly functioned as an unofficial church.

The suspect reportedly organized gatherings every Sunday and Thursday, primarily targeting women and children from Scheduled Castes. During these meetings, he allegedly promised to cure illnesses and offered various inducements.

Police claim that baptism ceremonies were conducted during these assemblies to facilitate religious conversion to Christianity.

Authorities stated that Malkhan had personally converted to Christianity and had changed his children's and relatives' names to Christian ones. He also managed a WhatsApp group called "Yeshu Changai Sabha" specifically to connect with members of Scheduled Castes, the statement indicated.

During the arrest, police recovered two books containing Biblical teachings and additional promotional materials. Investigators are currently examining the suspect's financial resources and contacting individuals who may have been converted through his activities.

An FIR has been registered at Nigohan police station, citing violations of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021.

The DCP South has rewarded the arresting police team with Rs 25,000 in cash for their successful operation, officials added.