Dirty Game of Forced Conversions Exposed: Police Arrest 3 in Madhya Pradesh

Chhindwara, MP: A disturbing case of alleged forced religious conversion has come to light in Khapabhat village under Dharam Tekdi police station. Acting on complaints from local residents, police arrested three suspects who allegedly lured villagers into changing their faith using promises of financial aid, medical treatment, and education for children. The case has been registered under the Madhya Pradesh Religious Freedom Act, 2021.

Villagers Allege Coercion Through Lures
According to locals, outsiders had been visiting homes in the area, offering money and other incentives to induce residents to convert their religion. Kamlesh Kavreti of Ward No. 10 filed the initial complaint, highlighting increased activity by these outsiders in recent days.

Police Action and Arrests
The police promptly reached Khapabhat and took into custody the three accused: Satya Narayan Thakur (resident of Khamihira, currently in Khapabhat), Rajesh Dadhe (resident of Samta Nagar, Nagpur), and Aradhana Bavne (resident of ELC Church area). Police have registered a case under Sections 3 and 5 of the Madhya Pradesh Religious Freedom Act, and further legal proceedings are underway.

Community Outrage
The incident has triggered anger among local social organizations and residents, who emphasized that religious conversion is a matter of personal faith. They condemned the use of pressure, financial inducements, or threats to force conversions, noting that such actions are illegal. Authorities have appealed for calm and assured the public that the investigation will be impartial, and any guilty party will not be spared.