A major Christian conversion racket has been uncovered in the Vikas Nagar Colony of Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, where over 40 women and children were found gathered at a house during a police raid on October 20. The house, rented by a pastor named Bijju from Kerala, had allegedly been used for religious conversion activities under the guise of prayer meetings. The local police, along with activists from Hindu organisations, intervened after receiving complaints from residents.
Bijju, who had moved into the Vikas Enclave Colony in the Kankerkheda police station area two months ago, was reportedly holding prayer gatherings every Sunday, drawing large crowds. According to reports, non-Christian attendees were being brainwashed in a network-marketing-style scheme, where they were promised financial help for marriages, money to start businesses, and cures for diseases in exchange for converting to Christianity.
Suspicions arose among the local community after noticing the growing attendance at these gatherings. On Sunday, when police and members of Hindu organisations arrived at Bijju’s house, they found women and children seated on the floor while Bijju and his wife sat on chairs, delivering sermons aimed at inciting the attendees against Hinduism.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing Bijju saying, “Love the one who loves you. Today is Karva Chauth, but your family doesn’t love you—God does. So take refuge in Him.”
He also asked them to worship Jesus, promising material and social gains, including respect and money. “You will get whatever you want. What have your gods given you to date?” he asked, further angering locals.
Local BJP councillor Rishipal Singh and other activists were present during the raid. The police detained Bijju, his wife, and another individual after receiving a formal complaint. BJP leader Anmol, who was involved in the investigation, claimed that Bijju and his wife had already converted around 300 individuals through their activities in Meerut.
Upon investigation, it was revealed that the conversion operation was structured similarly to network marketing. New converts were instructed to bring in two more people for conversion in exchange for certain benefits. Bijju reportedly made three key promises to entice non-Christians: arranging marriages for their children with all expenses covered by the church, providing Rs 2 to 5 lakhs to help start businesses, and offering holy water or exorcism to cure diseases.
In Dainik Bhaskar’s ground report, residents confirmed that women and children had been visiting Bijju’s house regularly over the past month and a half, under the pretext of attending prayer meetings, only to be drawn into religious conversion efforts. BJP leader Anmol further alleged that Bijju had been moving from one rented house to another in Meerut for the past 15 years, conducting similar activities and targeting poor families.
A woman involved in the conversion process reportedly told investigators that she had been taught to share everything she learned about Christianity with two other people, thus expanding the network of converts. The strategy focused particularly on vulnerable individuals, especially women, with promises of miraculous healing and financial rewards.
Speaking about the case, SP City Ayush Vikram Singh confirmed that an investigation into the conversion racket has been launched, with CO Daurala Suchita Singh leading the inquiry. “There is an allegation of illegal conversions, and the investigation is underway. Stringent action will be taken if the claims are found to be true,” said SP Singh.
