North 24 Paraganas26 minutes agoAuthor: Tirthankar Das
Tension erupted in Hingalganj, North 24 Parganas, following allegations that a group of people was attempting to convert local residents under the guise of religious preaching.
Police from Hingalganj police station reached the spot after receiving information about the alleged incident and took three people, including two foreign nationals, to the police station for questioning.
Locals raise allegations over religious activities
According to police and local sources, several people from different countries had allegedly gathered at a house in Sandelerbil village panchayat’s Sandelerbil area. They were accused of attempting to persuade local tribal residents and people belonging to other faiths to change their religion.
The situation reportedly escalated after some local residents objected to their activities, leading to a heated argument between the two sides. A section of villagers subsequently approached Hingalganj police and informed them about the situation.
Villagers allege inducements offered for conversion
Local residents alleged that people from Kolkata as well as Australia, Germany, Bangladesh and Argentina frequently visit the house. Some villagers claimed that economically disadvantaged residents living near the Sundarbans were allegedly being offered money or other inducements to convert.
One local resident said they became suspicious after noticing the regular movement of people from different countries and decided to protest, following which the situation became tense.
Police question three amid ongoing probe
Police intervened and brought the situation under control before taking three people, including two foreign nationals, to the police station for questioning.
Investigators are examining their identities, purpose of visiting the area, possible links with local individuals or organisations and whether there is any basis to the allegations of attempted religious conversion.
Hindu group seeks thorough police investigation
Hindu Jagran Manch’s Basirhat district representative Sushovan Das said the people questioned by police should be interrogated thoroughly to establish what actually happened. He also urged the police to take legal action if the allegations of religious conversion are found to be true.
Meanwhile, tension continues to prevail in the area following the allegations and subsequent police action.
