Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has sought the intervention of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in a recent case of alleged attempts of religious conversion made by two women in Ranchi. The party has accused foreign funded NGOs of working hand in glove with a particular national party and running political campaigns in garb of religion.
“We know very well that a few foreign funded organizations, involved in religious conversions, are working as agents of a particular national party,” said BJP Spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo.
“Even before this incident came to light, we had submitted a memorandum to the ECI requesting it to keep an eye on some foreign funded organizations,” Shahdeo added.
Locals on Saturday caught hold of two women after they allegedly tried to convince a family to convert to a particular religion and took them to the Lalpur Police Station.
The matter is currently being investigated by a magistrate and further actions will be taken only after the investigation, police said.
“We have not lodged an FIR yet. Necessary actions will be taken depending on the report of the investigating magistrate,” said Arvind Kumar, Officer In-Charge of Lalpur Police Station.
Kumar said that locals found the two women, both in their 40s, in the Nagratoli slum while they were allegedly trying to lure a family towards embracing a particular religion.
“The ECI and the administration should conduct a high level probe in this matter. This is an extremely serious issue which needs to be addressed,” said Shahdeo.
Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha MP Samir Oraon accused the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Congress party of protecting such groups involved in religious conversions.
The State passed Jharkhand Freedom of Religion Act 2017 to put a check on conversions. The Act stipulates that persons found guilty of converting women, minors, Dalits or tribals through blackmail or inducement can be incarcerated for up to four years in addition to or a fine of Rs 1 lakh. “In garb of social service, many so called activists are working for political parties,” he said.