‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans raised in church, chairs thrown:Locals allege disruption by Hindu group in Jabalpur; workers claim conversion attempt

A major commotion broke out at a church in Madhotal, Jabalpur, on Sunday after members of a Hindu organisation accused those present of religious conversion during a prayer meeting. The situation escalated into arguments and a physical clash. The incident took place at a church near Shiv Shakti Nagar. Allegations of attack during prayer meeting Members of the Hindu organisation claimed that people inside the church attacked them with iron rods and hockey sticks. They also alleged stone pelting during the confrontation. They said they had reached the church after receiving information about a large gathering, which included people from outside districts. Church members deny conversion claims People present in the church rejected the conversion allegations. They claimed that Hindu organisation workers entered the church during prayers and started chanting “Jai Shri Ram”. According to them, chairs inside the church were thrown, creating panic and a tense situation. Dispute escalated after questions on gathering Hindu Seva Parishad members said that around 11 am, they went to the church to ask why such a large number of people had gathered and where they had come from. They claimed that people inside the prayer hall got agitated after being questioned, leading to a clash. Here worship happens, not conversion
Jitendra Barman, who was present in the church, said that worship of the Lord happens in the church, not conversion. For years, people have been coming here of their own will and praying. Today when the prayer meeting was going on, 15 to 20 young men barged in shouting Jai Shri Ram. They assaulted women and children. Jitendra questioned that when other people worship at their respective places of worship, no one interferes there, then why was there a disruption in their prayer meeting. Boys who created ruckus taken into custody
In the case, SI Vinita Garot said that some boys have been taken into custody for now. Investigation is being conducted based on complaints from both parties. Legal action will be taken forward according to whichever party files the FIR. Police take youths into custody Police reached the spot and brought the situation under control. Two youths were taken into custody for creating a disturbance. Sub-Inspector Vinita Garot said complaints from both sides have been recorded. She said legal action will be taken after an FIR is registered based on the investigation. Similar incident reported in Katanga A similar dispute was reported on Saturday at a church in Katanga. Hindu organisation workers alleged that blind children were being forcibly brought to the church. After arguments between both sides, the situation turned tense. Gorakhpur police reached the spot and intervened to restore order.