Bajrang Dal attacks prayer meet at pastor’s home in Bihar amid conversion claims
text_fields
Photo: Express
In Bihar’s Katihar district, several people were reportedly injured on August 10 when members of the Bajrang Dal allegedly attacked a Sunday prayer gathering at a local pastor’s home. The group claimed that the event was part of an effort to convert people, while police said an investigation had been initiated.
A participant in the gathering said that around 40–45 people believing in Christianity had assembled for a weekly prayer at 10 a.m. when 30–40 men, some armed with iron rods, sticks, and even pistols, allegedly stormed in. According to him, at least 10 people were struck with iron rods.
A woman who was present alleged that the attackers assaulted and abused everyone and prevented them from leaving. One attendee later filed a complaint at the Sahayak police station, naming local Bajrang Dal president Pawan Poddar and another person as among those leading the alleged attack, Indian Express reported.
After the incident, Bajrang Dal district president Pawan Poddar told local reporters that his group had found evidence of large-scale religious conversion. He alleged that they had received information about conversion activities targeting 200–250 Hindus and claimed that books and materials linked to such efforts were discovered at the site.
Poddar said the police were informed by phone and arrived to take everyone present into custody.
Local residents said six people from the prayer gathering were later detained for questioning.
Katihar Superintendent of Police Shikhar Choudhary confirmed that authorities had received information on August 10 about alleged conversion activities in the area. He added that police were looking into the matter and had brought some individuals in for questioning.
Choudhary also stated that those making the allegations were themselves involved in an assault at the location, leaving one or two people with minor injuries who are now receiving treatment. An FIR has been filed against the attackers, and efforts are underway to identify all those involved.
