Jodhpur: Police arrested a man for alleged religious conversion through inducement and intimidation in Jodhpur Friday. The accused allegedly lured the victim with promises of helping him overcome drug addiction and improve his financial condition by setting up a business. He also facilitated the victim’s marriage to a woman before allegedly introducing him to Christian prayer gatherings.The Jodhpur Rural Police arrested Sujat Hanuman Friday. According to SP (Jodhpur Rural) Pankaj Yadav, the accused, a native of Odisha, is currently residing in Bilara and was allegedly involved in bringing people to Christian prayer meetings and attempting to convert them.The case came to light after the victim, Prashant Garg, lodged a complaint with the police on Nov 4. In his complaint, Garg stated that he came in contact with Hanuman in 2015-16. The accused allegedly promised to help him overcome his addiction and improve his financial condition, while also encouraging him to attend Christian prayer meetings. He reportedly claimed that his problems could be resolved through miracles.The victim further alleged that in 2018-19, he was sent to a college in Balotra to pursue a Bible-related course, following which he was enrolled as a member of the Bible Society of India. Later, on the pretext of helping him establish a tea business, the accused introduced him to a woman named Gaura, whom he subsequently married.Garg also alleged that Hanuman used WhatsApp and other social media platforms to encourage him to promote Christianity among members of the Hindu community and invite them to prayer programmes.A job was also allegedly arranged for him at an institution on Pali Road in Jodhpur, where he received a monthly salary of Rs 14,000. The institution reportedly distributed Christian religious literature and worked to engage people in religious activities.SP Yadav said the accused allegedly used inducements and intimidation to influence people into converting to Christianity. Police are investigating the possible involvement of other members of the suspected network.
