Lucknow Police Arrest Alleged Kingpin of Religious Conversion Racket

Authorities in Uttar Pradesh arrested Malkhan, a 43-year-old resident of Baktauri Kheda, on Sunday, identifying him as the key figure behind an alleged racket converting members of Scheduled Castes to Christianity through promises of miraculous healings and financial incentives. The operation, centred on a makeshift church built on his farmland, targeted vulnerable communities, prompting a swift police response under the state's stringent anti-conversion law. Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Nipun Agarwal confirmed the arrest on Hulaskheda Road, noting Malkhan had been evading capture since an FIR was filed earlier this month at Nigohan police station.

Malkhan, who reportedly converted to Christianity himself and renamed his children and relatives with Christian names, organised weekly gatherings every Sunday and Thursday. These sessions drew women and children from Scheduled Castes, where he allegedly conducted baptisms after luring attendees with assurances of cures for ailments and other inducements.

To expand his reach, Malkhan managed a WhatsApp group named "Yeshu Changai Sabha", disseminating biblical teachings and promotional content to potential converts. During the raid, police seized two books on Biblical doctrines and related materials, raising questions about the funding and scale of his activities. Investigations are now probing his financial sources, with outreach to possible victims to document the extent of conversions.

The case falls under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, controversial legislation enacted by the Yogi Adityanath government to curb what it terms "forced" or "fraudulent" conversions, often dubbed "love jihad" or "missionary scams" by critics. The law mandates prior approval for interfaith marriages and imposes severe penalties—up to 10 years in prison—for violations, drawing accusations of targeting minorities and infringing on religious freedoms from human rights groups like Amnesty International.

Since its implementation, over 500 cases have been registered statewide, predominantly against Muslim and Christian proselytisers, amid rising communal tensions in BJP-ruled states. Enforced selectively, the act has sparked legal challenges, including Supreme Court scrutiny on its constitutional validity.

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The arrest underscores ongoing enforcement drives in Uttar Pradesh, where similar rackets have been dismantled in districts like Meerut and Varanasi, often involving foreign funding allegations. Agarwal, flanked by Additional DCP Ralapalli Vasanth Kumar and ACP Rajneesh Verma, rewarded the arresting team with Rs 25,000, praising their diligence.

As the probe deepens, it may uncover networks linked to broader conversion activities, highlighting the delicate balance between curbing exploitation and safeguarding constitutional rights to propagate faith. Community leaders from Scheduled Castes have welcomed the action but urged counselling for affected families, emphasising rehabilitation over mere crackdowns.

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