Ghar Wapsi: FIR lodged against VHP leader Jugal Kishore in West Bengal

An FIR has been lodged against VHP leader Jugal Kishore and other local leaders of VHP on Thursday for alleged converting people from Christianity to Hinduism.

On Wednesday, over 100 tribal people belonging to the Christian and Muslim community were allegedly forcefully converted to Hinduism at the Virat Hindu Sammelan, organised by the VHP at Khurmadanga village of Rampurhat in Birbhum district. Confirming the FIR lodged, the SDPO of Rampurhat police station of Birbhum District Police, Jobi Thomas K told dna, “The FIR mentions sections – 153A, 295A, 298, 505(2) and 508 of the Indian Penal Code. The complaint has been filed by Ukil Mardi, a resident of Khurmadanga village against Kishore and other local VHP leaders.”

While the police has slapped charges of hurting religious sentiments, the state government has decided to come down heavily on the VHP leaders conducting the conversion. Party leaders sent out a stern message that the state government will take strict actions against the accused.

Hours after the conversion made headlines on news channels, Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP and spokesperson Derek O’Brien said, “Let me say this, if there is even a hint of coercion or forced conversion, the issue will be dealt with in the strongest manner possible. This is a zero tolerance subject and peace cannot be disturbed in the state by forceful conversions,” he said. “An inquiry has been initiated. This is the VHP, RSS, BJP up to their dirty tricks. The Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is monitoring the enquiry closely,” he added.