Visuals from the ground (Photo: X, Swati Goel Sharma)
In yet another alarming instance of religious conversions, a case involving the alleged luring of Hindus to Christianity has surfaced from Sewa Nagar, a predominantly Hindu locality in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad district. This revelation comes just days after Organiser reported four similar cases across two districts, highlighting a growing concern over conversion activities in the region.
Sewa Nagar is home to approximately 2,000 residents from castes such as Pal (Gadaria), Valmiki, Jatav, and Brahmin. The conversion racket was reportedly being orchestrated by Gerald Mathew Masih, a teacher at a well-known missionary school in the city, with assistance from Ravi Jatav, a government employee and resident of the colony.
Although the incident occurred three months ago, the shocking details have only recently come to light, painting a grim picture of how vulnerable communities are being targeted under the guise of religious gatherings.
The Setup
The house at the centre of the controversy, as reported by senior journalist Swati Goel Sharma, called Om Niwas, is owned by the late Jagpal Singh Jatav. The ground floor is occupied by Akash Jatav, Jagpal’s younger son, while the first floor houses Ravi, his elder son. Ravi reportedly converted to Christianity two years ago.
On September 23, 2024, Nandgram police raided the first floor of Om Niwas and found around 150 people gathered for a Yeshu Prarthana Sabha. The raid was conducted following a complaint by an activist, Navin, who alleged that the gatherings were being used to convert Hindus to Christianity under the guise of religious meetings.
Accusations and Police Action
An FIR was filed against Ravi, Gerald Mathew Masih, and three others under Sections 295A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings) and Section 3/5 of the Uttar Pradesh Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2024.
According to the police, attendees were lured into converting with promises of miraculous medical healing and financial incentives. Videos from the event show Gerald Masih, a teacher at Ghaziabad’s renowned Ingraham Institute, leading the session. Ravi, meanwhile, attempted to defend himself by claiming that official documents still list him as Hindu, denying involvement in the conversions.
A Family Divided
The controversy has also created tensions within the Jatav family. Akash’s wife, Kajal, who lives on the ground floor, revealed that such gatherings occurred two to three times a week before the raid. She claimed her family had not converted and that their refusal had led to confrontations with Ravi and his wife.
Kajal alleged, “Outsiders would fill the house, shouting and pretending to be possessed by spirits. We feared for our safety and locked ourselves in our room during these meetings. Last year, when I was eight months pregnant, Ravi and his wife assaulted me during an argument. I could have suffered a miscarriage.” She added that a police complaint was filed but no action was taken at the time.
Community Outrage
Local BJP councillor Jai Kishen Pal confirmed that activists had tipped him off about the conversion activities, prompting him to contact the police. “Such activities are unacceptable in our society. People rightly questioned how this could happen under our watch,” he said.
A Broader Issue
This incident is part of a larger trend of covert religious conversions in the region. Reports suggest that makeshift churches and home-based prarthana sabhas have been targeting vulnerable Hindu communities—especially Dalits and Valmikis—through financial and social incentives.
Previous Cases in Uttar Pradesh reported by Organiser
1. FIR No. 129/2024 (Ramganj Police Station):
In December, a complaint was filed against Om Prakash and two others for organizing Christian prayers and offering financial benefits to lure converts in a village near Ramganj.
2. FIR No. 100/2024 (Ramganj Police Station):
In September, Gokul filed a complaint accusing a man named Avadhesh of conducting prayer meetings and persuading attendees to convert to Christianity with promises of better economic prospects.
3. FIR No. 462/24 (Partapur Police Station, Meerut):
A large-scale conversion event disguised as a prayer meeting was busted in Meerut’s Shankar Colony. Over 50 Hindus were reportedly lured with assurances of miraculous cures and financial aid.
4. FIR No. 646/2024 (Kankarkheda Police Station, Meerut):
Pastor Biju Mathew, originally from Kerala, was arrested for converting around 300 families in Meerut’s Vikas Enclave. Investigations revealed he had been organizing prayer sessions at various locations, offering money and promises of a better life.
The Ghaziabad incident highlights the growing concerns about religious conversion activities in Uttar Pradesh.
Leave a Comment