Woman brutally tortured in Rajasthan’s Sirohi for refusing to convert to Christianity

A  woman in the Sirohi district of Rajasthan has accused her in-laws of subjecting her to severe physical and mental abuse for refusing to convert to Christianity. The case came to light on December 2, 2024, when the woman’s family lodged a formal complaint with the police, leading to an investigation.

According to the complaint filed by her father, the woman endured horrific abuse, including being chained and physically assaulted, after she refused to abandon her Hindu faith and convert to Christianity. Her in-laws allegedly separated her from her one-month-old infant during the ordeal. The sustained torture has reportedly taken a toll on her mental and physical health, leaving her unable to walk or move independently.

The incident took place in Dhaneera village under the jurisdiction of the Anadara Police Station in Sirohi district. The victim’s father, Jagsi Ram, shared that his daughter married a man named Deepa Ram about a year ago. Initially, the marriage appeared harmonious, but cracks began to appear when her in-laws started mistreating her.

A month ago, the woman gave birth to a son, but her joy was short-lived as she discovered her husband’s involvement in religious propaganda. According to the complaint, Deepa Ram actively promoted Christianity on social media by sharing photos and videos encouraging others to convert.

After learning of his activities, the woman’s husband began pressuring her to convert to Christianity and attend Christian gatherings. When she firmly refused, citing her Hindu beliefs, the abuse intensified. The complaint alleges that not only her husband but also other members of the family, including her brothers-in-law, Shankar and Umaram, and her sisters-in-law, Phuli Devi and Manju, joined in the harassment.

The victim’s refusal to convert reportedly led to her in-laws resorting to extreme measures. She was chained and confined within the house. To further isolate her, they forcibly took away her infant son. Reports suggest that all members of the household had already converted to Christianity and were pressuring the woman to follow suit.

The woman’s plight came to light when her family, concerned about her well-being, visited her in-laws’ home. They found her chained and in a dire state. She was immediately rescued and brought back to her parental home. Upon learning about her ordeal, the family approached the police and filed a formal complaint.

The complaint mentions that the abuse has left the victim in a critical mental and physical condition. She is reportedly unable to walk or perform basic activities due to the prolonged torture.

The Sirohi Police have taken cognizance of the matter and launched an investigation. Superintendent of Police Anil Kumar Beniwal assured that appropriate action would be taken based on the findings. “We have initiated an inquiry, and further steps will depend on the evidence uncovered during the investigation,” he said.

This incident has reignited concerns about coercive religious conversions and the violence faced by individuals who resist such pressure. As the investigation unfolds, the case has prompted calls for stricter measures to address religious coercion and ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals.