Indore (Madhya Pradesh): A press conference meant to present the side of a group accused of religious conversion turned chaotic on Thursday when a group of activists from a Hindu organisation allegedly assaulted eight youths—including two women and the group's director—outside the Indore Press Club.
The youths, including Saurabh Banerjee, who is said to be the director of the group, had arrived to address the media after their premises in Shukrawasa village, under Parwatpura Panchayat in Dewas district, were searched earlier by Barotha police following allegations of illegal religious conversion.
Before the press conference could begin, a group of activists affiliated with a Hindu organisation confronted the youths, accusing them of mass conversions in the forested areas of Dewas. The situation escalated quickly, and according to eyewitnesses, the activists allegedly manhandled several members of the group, including the women.
Some media personnel and bystanders intervened and managed to shield the group until police arrived. The youths were then taken to the police station for their safety and questioning.
Activists escalate confrontation
Following the scuffle, Banerjee and others visited a newspaper office in Malwa Mill area, preparing to file a formal police complaint. However, before they could proceed, police from Dewas arrived to take them into custody for questioning related to the ongoing investigation.
Things took another dramatic turn when a large group—reportedly around two dozen activists—arrived at the scene, specifically asking for Banerjee by name. The situation again turned violent: the activists allegedly attacked the group, blackened the faces of some, and had to be forcibly dispersed.
Police from Dewas and local authorities acted swiftly to rescue the youths once again, moving them to safety and continuing the investigation.
Background of Allegations
Earlier, Hindu organisations had lodged a complaint with Barotha police station in Dewas, alleging that Banerjee and his group had set up makeshift huts in the forest near Shukrawasa, where they were allegedly conducting suspicious activities. Locals claimed the group was targeting economically weaker sections, luring them with material benefits in an attempt to convert them to another faith.
Avinash Kaushal, coordinator of Bajrang Dal, reiterated the allegations, claiming that “mass conversions were taking place in the name of social service.”
Police have stated that a full investigation is underway, and all parties involved will be questioned to determine the facts.
