Jabalpur Church Controversy: Before Christmas, tension spread due to infiltration and violence in churches in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Video related to BJP leader went viral on allegations of conversion. Police is busy investigating, many youths have been detained.
Jabalpur. The incidents that have come to light in churches in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh just before Christmas, have created an atmosphere of tension in the entire state. Allegations of conversion, forced intrusion into church premises, viral videos and police action – all these have made this matter extremely sensitive. The question is whether forced conversion was really taking place, or is it all the result of rumors and misunderstandings?
After all, how did the controversy start?
This whole matter heated up on Monday when some members of right-wing organizations suddenly reached a church located behind Hawabagh Women’s College, Jabalpur. BJP District Vice President Anju Bhargava was also present with him. It was alleged that visually impaired students there were being forced to convert to Christianity. The debate inside the church escalated and the situation soon became tense. Meanwhile, a video went viral on social media, in which Anju Bhargava was seen arguing and scuffling with a visually impaired woman. This video became the center of the entire controversy.
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What was seen in the viral video that created an uproar?
In the viral footage on social media, it was seen that Anju Bhargava was having a heated argument with a visually impaired woman sitting inside the church. There came a moment when he held the woman’s face. In response, the woman held his hand and removed it and repeatedly asked him to talk without touching her. Seeing the situation worsening, other people present there intervened, after which the police were called to the spot. After the video surfaced, the matter became not only religious but also political.
Were visually impaired students being converted?
The things that have come to light in the initial police investigation are quite different from the allegations. According to police officials, the visually impaired students had come to the church for lunch and prayers as part of a charity program related to Christmas. The students clearly said that they were not forced to convert in any way. A senior police officer said that at present no evidence of forced conversion has been found and the statements of all the students are being recorded.
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Then why did the right-wing organizations raise objection?
Right-wing organizations say that taking students living in government hostels to religious places without the permission of the administration raises suspicion. They also allege that purely Christian religious prayers were held there and allegedly non-veg food was also served. He has lodged a complaint with the police regarding these allegations and has demanded an investigation into the entire matter.
What did Anju Bhargava say in her defence?
Speaking to The Indian Express, Anju Bhargava said that she had received information from local activists that visually impaired women were being kept against their will in a dilapidated building near the church. On the basis of this information she reached there. They claim that some women had complained about the arrangements and were also attacked during the confrontation. However, he admitted that he did not file any complaint himself.
Why did the second incident in Jabalpur increase the concern?
This matter did not end here. On Sunday, a similar incident came to light in a church in Madhotal area of Jabalpur. During the prayer meeting, 15–20 youths reportedly entered the church, raised slogans, threw chairs and created ruckus. Worshipers say that women and children were also scared during this time. At the same time, the organization claims that they had only gone to get information about suspicious activities.
What action is the police taking now?
The police have detained several youths on charges of creating disturbances in both the incidents. Officials say that the entire chain of events is being pieced together on the basis of testimonies and video evidence from both sides.
Why is the atmosphere deteriorating before the festival?
Frequent incidents of disputes and violence in churches just before a big festival like Christmas raise many questions. Is this an attempt to increase religious tension, or the result of administrative negligence and rumours? The answer will be clear only after the investigation is completed. At present, the administration is on alert in Jabalpur and surrounding areas and an appeal is being made to maintain peace.