On December 14, Mirzapur Police arrested five individuals, including a pastor, for allegedly coercing Hindus to convert to Christianity. The arrests followed a police raid at a church in Kharhara village, under the jurisdiction of Kotwali Dehat police station, based on a complaint filed by local farmer Anand Dubey. According to Dubey, he was lured and pressured into converting to Christianity with promises of financial assistance, education for his children, and medical benefits.
The FIR, filed by Anand Dubey, was registered under Sections 3 and 5(1) of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021. In his complaint, Dubey stated that Pastor Bholanath Patel, a resident of Tilwa village under the Revati Pur police station area in Ghazipur district, visited his home about a week ago. During the visit, Patel allegedly offered money, free education for Dubey’s children, and medical support in exchange for converting to Christianity.
On December 14, Dubey was called to a church in Kharhara village. When he arrived at around 12:45 pm, he noticed several Hindu villagers already seated inside. According to him, there were approximately 35–40 villagers present, most of whom came from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Along with Pastor Bholanath Patel, his wife Maya Patel, Krishna Kant Tiwari, Angnu Prasad, Nisha Devi, Sushila Devi, Heera Vati Devi, Renu, Lakshmi, Sadhana, and several other women were reportedly encouraging the Hindus in attendance to convert to Christianity.
The accused reportedly promised money, healthcare, and assistance with children’s education and marriages in exchange for conversion. Pastor Bholanath Patel allegedly told those present that they would be brought under the “shelter of Lord Jesus,” their suffering would end, and anyone refusing to convert would face misfortune.
Dubey stated that the accused poured holy water on him and told him he was no longer Anand Dubey, but “Joseph Anand.” When attempts were made to take him for a “holy dip” ritual to complete the conversion, he managed to escape and immediately informed the police.
Following the complaint, police registered an FIR and took action. The church was raided at night, resulting in the arrest of five individuals on the spot. A total of eleven people have been named in the case. Kotwali Dehat Station House Officer Amit Mishra said that intelligence inputs indicated preparations for large-scale religious conversions at the church on 25th December. Based on the complaint, police conducted the raid and detained the suspects. Further investigation into the matter is ongoing.
