Hindu villagers lured to convert to Christianity with monetary inducements and promise of better life in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh
Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, India 
7 September, 2024
Case Summary
Vulnerable Hindu villagers in Mavdipura were lured and coerced into abandoning their faith and converting to Christianity through bribery and manipulation. The court later convicted two individuals, Jangaliya and Nanuram, for orchestrating the conversion and exploiting the villagers’ vulnerability. On 8th September 2024, Jangaliya spoke to some villagers and tried to manipulate them to leave Hinduism and convert to Christianity. The accused exploited the villagers' vulnerabilities, promising them protection from illness, financial assistance, and jobs if they converted. The accused used monetary inducements, offering 50,000 rupees from the church and employment opportunities with salaries between 15,000 and 20,000 rupees. Jangaliya stated that whoever wanted to convert and take the benefits should meet Nanuram. Despite the villagers' attempts to dissuade the accused from their actions, they didn't listen, so the villagers decided to take legal action. They filed a complaint with the Nalchha police, which led to the prosecution. In court, six villagers testified against the accused, and a religious book provided by the accused was also submitted as evidence. As a result, the court sentenced both accused individuals to five years in prison each, along with a fine of 50,000 rupees per person.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
The case has been added to the tracker under the prime category- Predatory proselytisation. Under this, the sub-category selected is- Conversion/ attempts to convert by inducement. Predatory Proselytisation is not just limited to threat, harassment, force and violence, but it also has contours of stealth. In several cases, the Hindu victim is exploited to convert, with non-Hindus taking advantage of their poverty. In such cases, the Hindu victim who is suffering financially is offered monetary benefits, including lucrative offers for jobs, health treatment, education, etc, to induce the victim into changing his/her religion. In such cases, the religious identity of the victim and the aim to disenfranchise him from his faith form the heart of the crime. Also, taking advantage of and exploiting an individual’s economic vulnerabilities is widely acknowledged as exploitation, forms of which are often penalised by law. Such cases, therefore, are considered religiously motivated hate crimes since the victim’s religious identity forms the very heart of the crime itself. This case has been added to the tracker because Hindus in Mavdipura village were lured and offered inducements for religious conversion by the Christian group. The accused promised the victims a payment of ₹50,000 from the Church, free health care in hospital and a job with a 15-20 thousand salary, in exchange for conversion to Christianity. Firstly, offering such inducements or making false promises, especially when directed at vulnerable and economically weaker individuals, is not an act of kindness or charity. It is a calculated effort to exploit their vulnerability because of their religious identity. By providing inducements in exchange for conversion, the accused was effectively blackmailing those who might have been desperate for assistance or hope. Such instances are seen in many cases where members of Christian missionary groups target socially and economically vulnerable Hindus to further their agenda of religious conversions. This form of coercion strips people of their agency and dignity and results in coerced conversions. The Christian faith, by its very theological foundations, places a strong emphasis on proselytisation. In pursuit of conversion objectives, Christian evangelists often employ unethical means, ranging from psychological pressure and misinformation to inducements such as money or jobs. These are not random or isolated incidents, but premeditated efforts to undermine the Hindu faith, persuade Hindus to discard their own faith, and convert to Christianity. Such acts were deeply rooted in religious animosity towards Hindu victims, and thus, this case was added to the tracker. Disclaimer: The Hinduphobia Tracker records incidents based on when an event occurred or when the victim's ordeal began, rather than when it was reported by the media. Hence, the date of the incident is taken as 8th September 2024, when the accused first contacted the villagers for conversion.
Case Status
Perpetrator held guilty by court
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Christian Extremists
Perpetrators Range
From 2 To 5
Perpetrators Gender
male
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