Man Detained Over Alleged Tribal Conversion in MP

Police have detained Prabhu Machar in Madhya Pradesh's Ratlam district over allegations of luring tribals to convert to Christianity. The incident sparked unrest among Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) activists, leading to an investigation under the Madhya Pradesh Religious Freedom Act, 2021. Over 100 people were allegedly involved.

Police in Madhya Pradesh's Ratlam district have detained Prabhu Machar for allegedly luring tribals into converting to Christianity, an official said on Monday.

The situation escalated when Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) activists caused a commotion at a church in Lakhiya village on Sunday, alleging that over 100 tribal community members were undergoing religious conversion.

Following a complaint by VHP office-bearer Pankaj Chouhan, authorities registered a case against Machar under the Madhya Pradesh Religious Freedom Act, 2021, said Ravi Dandotiya, in-charge of Deendayal Nagar police station.

Dandotiya stated that Machar was conducting a prayer meeting at the church and was found with an appointment letter from the Manav Adhikar Protection Council, New Delhi.

An investigation is ongoing, and appropriate action will follow, Dandotiya added.

VHP district secretary Gaurav Sharm claimed that a church was constructed on farmland in Lakhiya village where more than 100 people had gathered for the religious conversion.