Raipur
Two men have been arrested by Kharora police on charges of allegedly attempting to influence tribal villagers to convert to Christianity by making objectionable remarks about Hinduism and Hindu deities.
The action followed a complaint lodged by Hemant Singh Maravi, a resident of Ward No. 2 in Manth village under Raipur Rural jurisdiction. In his complaint, Maravi alleged that the accused, identified as Sushant Gyanik and Piyush Patel, regularly visited the tribal settlement in the village and sought to persuade residents to change their religion. He further alleged that the duo made derogatory comments about Hindu beliefs and offered inducements to villagers to embrace Christianity.
Based on the complaint, Kharora police registered Crime No. 302/2026 under Sections 299, 302 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 4 of the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, 1968.
Police said a team was constituted under the supervision of senior officers to investigate the allegations. Statements of local residents were recorded and evidence was gathered during the probe.
Subsequently, police arrested Sushant Gyanik (40), a resident of New Purena under Rajendra Nagar police station limits, and Piyush Patel (30), a resident of Kushalpur under Purani Basti police station limits. Both were produced before the court, and further legal proceedings are underway, police said.
The allegations are part of an ongoing investigation, and the charges against the accused are yet to be tested in court.
