A purported religious conversion attempt through a “healing prayer meeting” has come under police scrutiny in Chhattisgarh’s Janjgir-Champa district, leading to the arrest of a pastor and a homeowner.
The arrests were made after members of a Hindu organisation alleged that villagers were being lured to a prayer gathering with promises of miraculous healing and were subsequently exposed to Christian preaching and literature.
The incident took place in Udayband village under the City Kotwali police station limits.
Police identified the accused as Pastor Rathram Mahilange (38) and homeowner Badrinath Bareth (40), at whose residence the gathering was organised.
According to the complaint, a “Changai Sabha” (healing prayer meeting) was organised on Thursday morning at Badrinath Bareth’s house in the Gudipara area of Udayband village.
Men and women from nearby villages reportedly attended the event after being informed that prayers and special blessings could help cure illnesses.
Members of the Hindu Jagran Manch alleged that attendees were told that various ailments could be cured through the consumption of “miraculous water” distributed during the gathering.
The complainants further alleged that Christian religious teachings were being promoted and that Bibles and other literature associated with Christianity were distributed among those attending the event.
One of the most serious allegations in the complaint concerns remarks made about Hindu deities during the gathering.
According to complainants and attendees, Pastor Rathram Mahilange told those present that Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma could not help them.
The pastor claimed that merely drinking two sips of water blessed in the name of Jesus Christ could cure all illnesses.
A video purportedly showing parts of the gathering and the remarks has also surfaced and is being circulated on social media.
The comments triggered outrage among local Hindu activists, who accused the organisers of insulting Hindu beliefs while attempting to influence vulnerable villagers.
Satish Soni of the Hindu Jagran Manch stated that he received information about the gathering from local contacts.
Upon reaching the venue along with other activists, he found villagers being persuaded through promises of healing and religious messaging.
According to the written complaint submitted to police, local residents were invited under the pretext of medical relief and miraculous treatment, while Christian teachings were simultaneously promoted.
The organisation accused the organisers of attempting to induce religious conversion by exploiting the faith and health concerns of villagers.
Acting on the complaint, police registered a case and launched an investigation.
Authorities also seized religious literature from the location as part of the probe.
Based on the allegations, police booked Pastor Rathram Mahilange and homeowner Badrinath Bareth under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 299 and 3(5).
Both accused were subsequently arrested and produced before a court, following which they were sent to judicial remand.
Providing details of the case, CSP Yogitabali Khaparde said that a healing prayer meeting had been organised at a house in Udayband village.
According to the police officer, Pastor Rathram Mahilange was explaining aspects of Christianity during the gathering. During the course of the event, remarks concerning Hindu deities were made, leading to the complaint and subsequent police action.
The officer confirmed that both the pastor and the homeowner have been arrested and that the matter remains under investigation.
The incident has reignited debate over conversion activities in tribal and rural regions of Chhattisgarh, where “healing prayer meetings” have frequently come under scrutiny from local organisations and authorities.
While Christian groups often describe such gatherings as prayer meetings focused on faith and spiritual healing, critics argue that claims of miraculous cures can be used to influence economically and socially vulnerable populations.
For now, the allegations against the accused remain subject to investigation, and police are examining evidence, witness statements and video footage collected from the site.
