Retired Deputy Collector Arrested in Sarguja Over Alleged Religious Conversion During “Changaai Sabha”

Raipur, Chhattisgarh: In Sarguja district, a retired deputy collector has been arrested for allegedly promoting religious conversion under the guise of a “Changaai Sabha” (prayer gathering). Following complaints by Hindu organizations, police detained 66-year-old Omega Toppo and produced her in court, which subsequently remanded her to judicial custody.

According to reports, these Changaai Sabhas are organized regularly at various locations across the state. In the Naman Kala area of Gandhinagar police station, such a gathering allegedly served as a platform for encouraging people to convert to Christianity. Police have filed charges under the Indian Penal Code and Section 5(k) of the Chhattisgarh Religious Freedom Act.

Conversion Allegedly Done Through Incentives

Sources say participants were allegedly lured with incentives to adopt a different faith. During the Sunday gathering, it is claimed that offensive remarks were made against Hinduism, and attendees were urged to embrace Christianity. Police investigation revealed that the gatherings were held at Omega Toppo’s residence every Sunday, drawing significant attendance without official permission.

Police Intervention Blocked

According to reports, four to five individuals were reportedly being targeted for conversion during the most recent gathering. Police and the local naib tehsildar arrived on the scene, but the organizers initially prevented them from entering, citing ongoing prayers. A register listing attendees’ names and signatures was shown to the authorities and subsequently seized for investigation.

Formal Complaint and Legal Proceedings

The complaint was filed by Roshan Tiwari, affiliated with a Hindu organization, at the Gandhinagar police station. Based on the complaint, police filed a case against Omega Toppo and others under Sections 270 and 299 of the IPC, along with the Chhattisgarh Religious Freedom Act. Omega Toppo had earlier avoided summons for questioning, prompting police to conduct a raid and arrest her.

Gandhinagar police station in-charge Praveen Kumar Dwivedi confirmed that Omega Toppo was presented before the court and remanded to jail. Authorities are continuing a detailed investigation to determine the involvement of other individuals associated with the Changaai Sabha.