Pastor arrested after VHP protest over conversion allegations in Alwar

Alwar: Police, Thursday, arrested a pastor accused of carrying out religious conversions in Alwar after he was allegedly assaulted by members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) during a protest at a prayer gathering in Tanwar Colony.

According to police, VHP workers reached a house in the Akhepura police station area after receiving information about an alleged religious conversion programme being conducted there. They claimed a prayer meeting related to Jesus Christ was underway when they entered the premises.

A confrontation followed, during which the pastor, identified as Rajkumar, was allegedly dragged out of the house and assaulted. A video of the incident has surfaced on social media, purportedly showing him being manhandled by members of the crowd.

Akhepura SHO Mahesh Tiwari and his team reached the spot after receiving information about the commotion and took Rajkumar into custody.

VHP state coordinator Prem Singh Rajawat alleged that religious conversion activities were being carried out at the location. He claimed religious literature and prayer-related material were found during the visit and that mobile phones examined at the spot contained videos linked to religious activities. He further alleged that the pastor admitted to having converted more than 15 people.

Nitin Kumar, who said he had attended the gathering twice, alleged that participants were told that prayers could cure illnesses and relieve suffering. He also claimed statements discouraging the worship of Hindu deities were made during the programme.

During questioning, Rajkumar told police he is a resident of Delhi and has been visiting Alwar for the past four to five years to conduct Christian prayer meetings. He said he also runs a clothing business in Delhi.

Additional SP Deepak Sharma said a case has been registered against him for allegedly hurting religious sentiments. Further investigation is underway.