AGRA, Dec 10 (NDTV): An FIR or police complaint has been filed after some 200 people were converted to Hinduism in a ceremony organized in Uttar Pradesh by groups linked to the BJP's ideological mentor, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
Some 57 Muslim families participated in the mass conversion in Agra, described as "homecoming" by the Bajrang Dal and Dharam Jagran Samanvay Vibhagh, who conducted the rituals.
Cases of cheating and promoting enmity have now been filed by policemen who visited the families late last night.
The ceremony on Monday saw chanting by priests while the converts, wearing skull caps, performed a havan (fire offering). Vermilion dots were applied on their foreheads. Saffron flags were proudly displayed at the event.
The groups that performed the mass conversions claim that the families were originally Hindu and converted to Islam around 30 years ago. They say more such events will be held in other cities.
"About 30 years ago, their forefathers had converted to Islam. Now they realise their interests are protected by Hindu religion so they have returned," said Ajju Chauhan, a Bajrang Dal activist.
"Come to Aligarh on 25th, both Christians and Muslims will be converted under Adityanath's blessings," said Rajeshwar Singh, an activist, referring to BJP's MP from Gorakhpur.
Some of the converts, picked from a colony of rag-pickers, claimed that they had been lured with incentives like a ration card and other cards that would entitle them to subsidized welfare schemes.
"We were told we will get ration card, Aadhar card, the police will not bother us. We are poor so what do we do?" said one of the converts.
The conversions led to protests in Parliament after days of disruptions over a 'hate speech' by Union Minister Niranjan Jyoti, has provided the opposition with fresh ammunition. A debate on "rising communal incidents in India" will be held next Wednesday in the Rajya Sabha.
"This is a very serious case and the Samajwadi Party government in UP should take it seriously. After Agra, these people are planning something in Aligarh," said former Chief Minister Mayawati of the BSP.
A Samajwadi Party spokesperson said, "The government is looking into it and won't tolerate people being forced to convert."