Ponnampet (Kodagu), Apr 7 (SOM) : BJP activists of Balele Karmad village in Virajpet taluk here have unearthed conversion racket in which 13 persons were caught in the act and handed over to the Police yesterday.

The 13 accused are said to have been operating in the Dalimbe tribal colony located along Nagarahole forest, indulging in forcible religious conversion of gullible tribals by luring them with cash and other gifts.

The accused persons are Jenukurubara Vijaya, a resident of the tribal settlement, his son-in-law Lakshman, P.C. Freddie, K.H. Mathai, Abraham Koshy, Coilson Mathew, K.A. Baby, Majojosh, H.S. Satish, N.P. Peter, R. John, K.O. John and Tilone Raj. Vijaya, instigated by Lakshmana, is said to have been coaxing fellow tribals in the settlement to get converted.

They were provided assistance by missionaries who came in Tata Sumo vehicles from Hunsur, Hassan, Madapura, Suntikoppa and other places.

Kodagu District BJP President M.M. Ravindra, Zilla Panchayat Member Ranjan Chengappa, Gandangada Sudha, Addengada Rakhi, Bopanna and others, who learnt of the conversion, rushed to the settlement and after rounding them up, handed them over to Ponnampet Police Sub-Inspector Rama Reddy.

Ranjan and others have lodged complaints against the accused, charging them with issuing life threats.

Addressing the media person, Ravindra said that such religious conversions were stealthily taking place all over South Kodagu and sought action against them.