A case of alleged forced religious conversion has come to light from Haiderpur village in Madhya Pradesh’s Burhanpur district, where six individuals have been booked under multiple charges, including provisions of the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 2021. The accused reportedly attempted to convert a Hindu tribal family under the pretext of treating an ailing woman through Christian prayer.
The incident took place around 10 PM on June 21, when Baliram Badole, a local resident known for moving from village to village preaching Christianity, allegedly invited Anil, a resident of Haiderpur, to his home to treat Anil’s ailing wife, Radha. Baliram and his wife Anita told Anil they could cure Radha through prayer, and what followed was an attempt at religious conversion that quickly turned into a violent altercation.
“They promised money, a House, and free education if we accepted Christianity”
In a detailed complaint filed by Anil, he stated, “Baliram and Anita came to my house and said, ‘We will cure your wife’s illness with prayer.’ I believed them and went to their home with Radha, my cousin Rewasingh, and my friend Ravindra. Once there, they opened a religious book and began chanting prayers. Then they said, ‘If you accept Christianity, you will receive money every month, help in building a house, and free education for your children.’”
Anil further alleged that when the so-called ‘prayers’ failed to improve Radha’s condition and he resisted their attempts to convert his family, the accused turned aggressive.
“I told them they were misleading innocent tribal people and threatened to report them. That’s when Baliram, along with Vilas, Say Singh, Gana, and Kalabai, tried to stop me from leaving. They pushed me around. When Rewasingh and Ravindra tried to protect me, they were beaten too. Rewasingh got hurt near his eye and on his back,” Anil told the police.
Hindu group intervenes, three detained
After Anil raised an alarm, local villagers and members of Hindu organisations rushed to the spot. Rajpal Chauhan, a senior official of a Hindu group from Nepanagar, confirmed their intervention.
“We received information around 10 PM that a conversion attempt was taking place at Baliram’s house in Haiderpur. We reached the spot and caught three of the accused. Baliram managed to flee towards the forest, but we handed over the others to the police,” Chauhan said.
Tribal Family in Burhanpur Beaten for Resisting Healing Prayer Scam to Convert to Christianity
In Burhanpur, MP, six individuals lured a tribal family with false promises of healing prayers to convert them to Christianity.
On June 21, they offered Anil’s sick wife, Radha,… pic.twitter.com/ac5RO74CCE
— Treeni (@TheTreeni) June 23, 2025
The accused were later taken into custody by police officers from the Navra outpost.
Police register ca ase under the Religious Freedom Act
Confirming the development, Gyanendra Jaiswal, Station House Officer (SHO) of Nepanagar police station, stated:
“Based on Anil’s complaint, we have registered an FIR against six individuals, including two women. The charges include IPC Sections 115(2), 351(3), BNS Sections 3-5, and relevant provisions of the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 2021. The accused allegedly promised financial benefits in exchange for conversion and assaulted the complainant when he refused.”
The six accused named in the FIR are:
- Baliram s/o Gangaram, resident of Haiderpur
- Anita w/o Baliram, Haiderpur
- Gana s/o Kashiram, Hiwra
- Vilas s/o Gasla, Haiderpur
- Say Singh s/o Badla, Haiderpur
- Kalabai w/o Vilas, Haiderpur
Three of them were apprehended on the spot by villagers and handed over to the police, while a manhunt is underway to locate Baliram and the others who fled.
Previous incidents and growing concerns
According to locals, this is not the first such case in the region. About six months ago, a similar incident was reported from Kairpani village, also under Navra outpost, where an FIR had been filed against 10 individuals involved in alleged conversion activities.
The back-to-back incidents have raised concerns about targeted conversion attempts in tribal-dominated regions, where vulnerable families are allegedly lured with promises of money, housing, and education.
Villagers and Hindu groups are now demanding stronger enforcement of the anti-conversion law and closer monitoring of such activities in rural and tribal belts.
Ongoing Investigation
Police have begun recording statements from witnesses, including Anil, his wife Radha, Rewasingh, and Ravindra. Medical examination of the injured has been conducted, and further legal action will depend on the collection of physical evidence and testimonies.
“We are taking this matter seriously. Investigations are ongoing, and those found guilty will face strict legal consequences,” SHO Jaiswal added.
The case underscores the continuing challenge of preventing unlawful religious conversions under deceptive or coercive means, especially in areas with economically and socially vulnerable populations.
