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A pastor and his son were arrested on charges of attempting illegal religious conversion during a prayer meeting at a church in Fatehpur district. This arrest followed a protest by Bajrang Dal activists, who claimed that numerous Hindu women had been lured to the church with money and other promises.

Tensions briefly escalated when protesters surrounded the police vehicle after the pastor, David Gladion (60), and his son, Abhishek Gladion (30), were taken into custody on Sunday. The police swiftly removed them from the scene.

As per the police, a group of Bajrang Dal activists held a nearly three-hour protest outside the church, alleging forced conversions. They claimed that Hindu women were being lured with promises of money, jobs, and free education for their children. The protesters asserted that around 150 people, including a significant number of women, were inside the church at the time.

Upon receiving information about the disturbance, Circle Officer Veer Singh arrived at the spot with a large police contingent and managed to bring the situation under control.

Radha Nagar Station House Officer Vinod Kumar Maurya informed PTI that a case has been registered under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act against the pastor, his son, and seven unidentified individuals, based on a complaint filed by a local resident, Dev Prakash Paswan.

Paswan alleged that he and others were invited to the church on Sunday, where prayers were being conducted. He claimed derogatory remarks were made about Hindu beliefs and attendees were pressured to convert, with offers of Rs 1,100, employment opportunities, and free education for their children. He also alleged that those who protested were offered money to remain silent.

An officer mentioned that publicity vehicles were being used to invite villagers to prayer meetings. One such vehicle was seized during the protest, and religious literature was found in it.

CO Veer Singh told PTI that the purpose of the women’s presence at the church is being verified and that an investigation is underway. Further actions will be taken based on the evidence.