A controversy erupted in Hariharpur village, located in the Khaga Kotwali area of Fatehpur district in Uttar Pradesh after a board with the word “Church” written on it was found displayed outside the house of a Dalit family. The incident drew strong reactions from members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, who protested against the board, chanting slogans of “Jai Shri Ram” before discarding it.
Protest by Hindu Organisations
The issue came to public attention when activists from the Bajrang Dal and VHP, led by district Bajrang Dal coordinator Raju Sonkar and VHP representative Shiv Swaroop Vishwakarma, arrived at the site after being informed about the board. According to reports, the activists found the family absent but saw the board prominently displayed. They informed the local police and, as an act of protest, removed the board themselves, discarding it on the spot.
Speaking to the media, Sonkar alleged that Christian missionaries were attempting to convert the Dalit family under the guise of religious persuasion. “We received information that a church board was placed outside a Dalit family’s house as part of an effort to lure them into conversion. Such acts will not be tolerated,” he stated.
Vishwakarma echoed similar concerns, claiming that the VHP has been vigilant against alleged attempts of religious conversions in the district. He warned of strict legal consequences for any individual or group engaging in such activities, emphasising the organisation’s commitment to preserving cultural and religious values.
Police Investigation Provides Clarity
Following the uproar, the police launched an investigation into the matter. The officer in charge of Khaga Kotwali confirmed that the activists had posted about the incident on social media, raising suspicions about the family’s religious affiliations. During their probe, the police discovered that the family, who had been suffering from prolonged illnesses, had recently travelled to Punjab for treatment.
According to the family’s statement, their health improved significantly after receiving treatment facilitated by a church in Punjab. Grateful for the assistance, they brought the church board home as a token of appreciation. The family, however, clarified that they had not converted to Christianity and maintained their Hindu faith.
Police Action and Current Status
The police have since issued a stern warning to the family, instructing them not to display the church board outside their home to avoid further conflicts. Officials are continuing their investigation and working to de-escalate tensions in the village.
Efforts are also underway to ensure communal harmony, with the police urging all parties to refrain from actions that could inflame the situation further. Meanwhile, local leaders have called for a balanced approach to address the underlying concerns without disrupting peace in the area.
