Conversion row in Haroli: Police register counter FIRs

A religious conversion dispute in Lower Badheda village in the Haroli Assembly segment has escalated, prompting the police to register counter FIRs against the parties involved.

According to a complaint filed by Sarwan Singh, he and his family were celebrating his son’s birthday on Friday night by singing prayers at their home. During the gathering, Panchayat pradhan Ajay Kumar and Panchayat Ward member reportedly entered his house, accusing him of forcibly converting Hindus to Christianity. Singh alleged that Kumar assaulted his relatives, causing injuries and also damaged vehicles parked outside the house. Based on his complaint, the Haroli Police have registered a case against Kumar under Sections 332(C), 352, 115(2), 191(2) and 324(4) of the BNS.

In a counter FIR, Ajay Kumar claimed that he heard loud noises and firecracker sounds near his house around 7 pm. After receiving calls from villagers concerned, he went to Sarwan Singh’s residence, where he alleged that a gathering of about 70 people was present, and a Christian clergyman was conducting religious preaching aimed at conversion. Kumar alleged that forced conversions were underway and filed a complaint under Section 4 of the Himachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 2019.