A case of religious conversion has been reported in Chhattisgarh‘s Korba district following a prayer meeting in a village that comes under the Katghora police station area. Organised by members of the Christian community in an open field, the meeting reportedly targeted poor and sick villagers, leading to protests by locals and intervention by the police. The area recorded tensions after the incident, and an investigation has also been launched.
According to the media reports, the prayer meeting was held on Sunday morning (14th December) at Sutarra village, under Sonadula police station limits in Korba district of Chhattisgarh. A huge gathering had assembled there for the prayer, led by Pastor Bajrang Jaiswal. An open pandal had been temporarily erected in a field for the program.
Locals said that in the meeting, it was claimed that prayers could heal diseases and alleviate personal suffering. It was further added that people attending the meeting were being convinced and emotionally manipulated to change their religion, on the pretext of spiritual healing.
The matter turned critical when the village sarpanch, Santoshi Bai, objected to the function after being tipped off about the meeting. Later, she approached the police with a written complaint.
Poor and vulnerable people targeted
Locals claimed that several outsiders were also present at the prayer meeting and that the focus was on vulnerable sections of society, including the sick, childless couples, and economically weak families. Villagers expressed concern that such claims of miraculous healing could mislead people who are already distressed and desperate for solutions.
Residents said similar prayer meetings had earlier caused unease in the village and warned that such activities could disturb social harmony.
Case registered against pastor
After the complaint was filed, members from both sides reached the Katghora police station. Those opposing the prayer meeting demanded strict action against Pastor Bajrang Jaiswal. It was also reported that the pastor had earlier been involved in similar controversies and had previously been jailed over such activities. Locals claimed he had been warned not to organise such gatherings without permission.
Taking the matter seriously, the police registered a case against Pastor Bajrang Jaiswal and others based on the sarpanch’s complaint. Katghora Station House Officer Dharmnarayan Tiwari said that a fair and detailed investigation is underway.
He further said the statements are being recorded from both sides, and further action will be taken based on the findings of the probe. The police have also appealed to residents to maintain peace and to avoid spreading any rumours during the investigation.
