Bhubaneswar: Tension erupted in Odisha’s capital on Wednesday after reports of religious conversion activities at a hotel in the Nayapalli area. Acting on a complaint, the Commissionerate Police conducted a raid at the hotel, prompting protests from local residents and igniting a broader debate about conversion activities allegedly disguised as workshops and social programs.
According to sources, police received information that a meeting related to religious conversion was taking place inside a hotel room. Following the complaint, a police team arrived at the hotel and entered the room as part of their operation.
The sudden police action created a tense atmosphere in the locality, with a large number of residents gathering outside the hotel to object to the alleged activities.
Religious Literature Seized During Raid
During the search, police reportedly recovered several religious books and literature related to Christianity from the hotel room. Four individuals present at the scene were detained for questioning.
Police officials have not yet confirmed whether the gathering involved religious preaching, counseling, or any form of illegal religious conversion. However, authorities stated that the matter is under investigation, with all aspects being examined.
The incident has sparked widespread discussion in the city regarding religious activities reportedly organised in private hotels and establishments.
Locals Allege Conversion Activities Under NGO Cover
A local resident alleged that illegal religious conversion activities were being conducted in the hotel under the guise of NGO workshops and awareness programs. The resident claimed that individuals from various areas were being invited to attend these workshops and were offered various inducements. According to the allegations, attempts were made to influence and convert individuals through counseling and religious sessions.
Despite existing laws in the state to prevent illegal religious conversions, the resident expressed concern that the administration is not taking effective steps to curb such activities.
The individual further alleged that similar activities had occurred at the hotel on previous occasions, but no strict action had been taken despite the legal framework against illegal religious conversion.
The resident also claimed that certain documents recovered from the hotel referenced strategies aimed at influencing members of the Hindu community toward conversion.
Investigation Underway
Police officials stated that an investigation is currently underway to determine the exact nature of the activities conducted inside the hotel room. Statements from the detained individuals, hotel employees, and witnesses are being recorded as part of the inquiry.
Authorities indicated that further legal action would depend on the evidence collected during the investigation.
The incident has drawn significant public attention and intensified discussions regarding the monitoring of religious gatherings and activities conducted in hotels and private establishments across the city.
ACP Confirms Detentions and Seizure of Religious Material
Zone-5 ACP Biswaranjan Senapati confirmed to reporters that police had detained several individuals from the hotel premises for questioning.
“They were calling people and holding a meeting at the hotel related to religious conversion. After receiving information, we arrived at the scene and detained some individuals. We also discovered several books related to Christianity at the location. All seized materials are currently being examined, and the detained individuals will be interrogated,” the ACP stated.
This incident has once again highlighted the issue of alleged religious conversion activities in Odisha, prompting various groups to demand strict enforcement of laws if any illegality is uncovered during the investigation.
