Kanpur: Arrested Christian missionary members for mass conversion of Hindus released after "mob storms into police station"
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Kanpur, April 2: In a shocking development, two members of Christian missionaries who were arrested by the police for mass conversion of Hindus, were released after a mob stormed the police station in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The incident came to light on March 30.
According to reports, Nawabganj police station received information that around 100 people including both men and women, from different areas of the city were being taken to a church in Unnao in two buses to convert them to Christianity which was an unlawful religious conversion
According to the police, Sanjay Valmiki, who was traveling in the bus, told police that pastor and his associate - Simon William and Deepak Morris - were luring him with the promise of Rs 50,000 per month, job, house and other inducements and taking him to convert as a Christian. Following this, the police registered a case and arrested both the accused. Officials said the people were also asked to remove the statue of Hindu Gods and Goddess from their places after conversion.
However, they had to be set free after a mob of more than 200 people stormed the police station the same night and created a ruckus there. Bajrang Dal district convenor Krishna Tiwari claimed that police had to be released both the accused from the police station due to pressure. He said that he will complain to the Police Commissioner over the matter.
ACP Colonelganj RS Gautam said that on the complaint of Sanjay Valmiki, a report was registered under Section 41 against Simon William, resident of Kalyanpur and Deepak Morris, resident of Vishnupur Kona. “Both the accused were released after notices by the police station. The entire matter is now being investigated seriously. Legal action will be taken based on whatever facts come to light during the investigation,” Gautam said.
What happened?
According to reports, Nawabganj police station received information that around 100 people including both men and women, from different areas of the city were being taken to a church in Unnao in two buses to convert them to Christianity which was an unlawful religious conversion
Taking strict action against this mass conversion, he police set up a checkpoint at Ganga Barrage under Nawabganj police station limits. Police intercepted two buses carrying 80 Hindus and 20 Christians during checking at around 1 am on Sunday.
Mob stormed into the police station and took away the two accused belonging to the Christian missionaries who were caught by the Kanpur police for doing mass conversion. Around 50 families were taken to a place where they planned to convert them. Police caught them from a bus… pic.twitter.com/wxUxF9G4Z8
— Shubham Sharma (@Shubham_fd) April 2, 2024
According to the police, Sanjay Valmiki, who was traveling in the bus, told police that pastor and his associate - Simon William and Deepak Morris - were luring him with the promise of Rs 50,000 per month, job, house and other inducements and taking him to convert as a Christian. Following this, the police registered a case and arrested both the accused. Officials said the people were also asked to remove the statue of Hindu Gods and Goddess from their places after conversion.
Accused released due to "mob pressure"
However, they had to be set free after a mob of more than 200 people stormed the police station the same night and created a ruckus there. Bajrang Dal district convenor Krishna Tiwari claimed that police had to be released both the accused from the police station due to pressure. He said that he will complain to the Police Commissioner over the matter.
ACP Colonelganj RS Gautam said that on the complaint of Sanjay Valmiki, a report was registered under Section 41 against Simon William, resident of Kalyanpur and Deepak Morris, resident of Vishnupur Kona. “Both the accused were released after notices by the police station. The entire matter is now being investigated seriously. Legal action will be taken based on whatever facts come to light during the investigation,” Gautam said.