Illegal Religious Conversions Rock Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, Authorities Investigate

Three individuals, including an American, face charges for illegal religious activities in Maharashtra, while concerns rise over Hindu children allegedly being taught Islamic studies in Madhya Pradesh. Authorities are investigating these incidents as potential attempts at religious conversion amid growing social tensions.

In a developing story, Thane Rural Police in Maharashtra have arrested three individuals accused of engaging in banned religious activities and unlawful conversions in Bhiwandi. Among the arrested is an American national, James Watson, along with local residents Sainath Sarape and Manoj Kolha. They have been charged under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Foreign Nationals Act.

According to SP Thane Rural DS Swamy, 'An offence has been registered which includes three accused. One of them is a foreign national.' Investigations revealed that the trio has been active in the region for an extended period, misleading villagers through phony religious gatherings and prayers, leading to their arrest and judicial custody.

Meanwhile, in a related issue in Madhya Pradesh, Priyank Kanoongo of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) reports concerns over Hindu children allegedly being enrolled in Islamic madrasas. He asserts around 500 Hindu children in Morena and Shivpuri are being instructed in the Quran, indicating possible attempts at conversion. Kanoongo calls for proper investigations by the state government to address potential breaches of educational and religious norms. These incidents underscore the delicate intersection of religious practices and community tensions across the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)