08-06-2026 Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh: Police Book Pastor and Two Others for Illegal Religious Conversion
On 8 June 2026 the Hardoi district police filed charges against three persons, one of whom is a local pastor, for alleged illegal religious conversion activities in Mohammadapur village under the jurisdiction of the Tadiyawan police station. The prosecution claims that the accused tried to convert residents against their will, violating the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act and various sections of the Indian Penal Code such as extortion, forgery and criminal intimidation.
According to the statement released by the Hardoi Police Department, the case was initiated after local residents reported suspicious practices aimed at converting them. Authorities gathered evidence, including testimonies from villagers who alleged that men and women were approached under the pretext of marriage and were asked to adopt a different faith. The pastor and the other two accused are accused of orchestrating or facilitating such conversions.
These allegations come in the wake of a broader national debate about religious conversions in India. The state government has repeatedly reiterated its commitment to protecting the religious rights of its citizens and to ensuring that conversions occur freely and voluntarily. Investigations are now ongoing, with police seeking to identify any additional parties involved.
The incident is not isolated. Earlier this year, in the city of Shamli, authorities arrested a father and daughter, Chandni Qureshi and her father Islam Qureshi, on similar charges of illegal conversion. In that case, the accused were alleged to have used forged documents to legitimize a religious marriage. Both events underscore a growing concern among law‑enforcement agencies about covert conversion practices that may exploit vulnerable community members.
Human rights organizations have expressed alarm that such situations can lead to social tensions and sometimes violence. The government’s response has focused on stringent enforcement of existing laws and awareness campaigns to inform citizens about their rights under the law. Police are also working to ensure that victims are protected from intimidation or retaliation from the accused parties.
While the case is still under investigation, the Hardoi police have publicly pledged to act swiftly to uphold the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of religion and to prevent any coercive activities that could harm community cohesion. The authorities also announced that they would conduct a broader review of community outreach programs to ensure seriousness of compliance with the nation’s legal framework concerning religious conversions.
Legal experts point out that the enforcement of conversion laws must balance protecting minority rights and upholding the principle of voluntary conversion. In both the Hardoi and Shamli incidents, the proceedings will serve as a precedent for how the judiciary interprets the right to practice religion and the limits of state intervention.
As investigations proceed, the local media and civil society will remain vigilant to ensure transparency and to support individuals who may have been affected. The outcome of the Hardoi case will likely influence future policing strategies across the state and inform the policy discourse on religious freedom in India.