Man held for bid to convert poor families to Christianity

Lucknow: Sitapur police have arrested a man for allegedly trying to lure poor families to convert to Christianity by offering financial help and medical support. The accused, Surendra Kumar aka Surendra Massey, was apprehended following a raid on a prayer gathering in Misrikh area of Sitapur district, on Saturday.

Acting on a tip-off, a police team raided a rented house in Thok locality where a prayer meeting was underway. A total of 17 people, including Surendra, were detained during the operation. After questioning, 16 people were released, while an FIR was lodged against the main accused.

Police said they recovered the copies of the Bible, candles and other religious literature from the premises.

Circle officer, Mishrikh, Brajesh Kumar said preliminary inquiry suggested that Surendra was residing in the area for nearly three years, during which he allegedly organised regular prayer meetings attended by locals from Misrikh and nearby villages.

Surendra is also accused of posing as a pastor and claiming that conversion could resolve personal and medical problems.

The action followed complaints from members of a local organisation, who alleged that conversion-related activities were being carried out at the rented accommodation.

Police said the accused claimed to be originally from Ludhiana in Punjab and also had links in Bihar. Authorities are verifying his background, financial transactions and possible connections with religious groups.

Sources said Surendra had also purchased a plot in Mishrikh, raising suspicion about his activities in the area.

Inspector, Mushrikh, Pradeep Kumar Singh said efforts were on to determine whether any coercion or organised conversion activity took place.

“We learnt that in 2007, Surendra embraced Christianity after marrying a woman in Ludhiana. Surendra’s life improved and he started dealing in property. He also took contracts for demolition of dilapidated buildings/structures,” Singh said.