Synopsis
An incident in Bengaluru on February 3 has raised public concern over the distribution of QR code cards leading to Bible teachings, with allegations of digital religious conversion attempts by Hindu activists and local residents.Key Takeaways
- Public objections arose over QR code cards linked to Bible teachings.
- Local activists allege attempts of religious conversion.
- Incident took place in Begur, Bengaluru.
- Police are prepared to investigate if a complaint is filed.
- Related cases of alleged conversion attempts have been reported in Karnataka.
Bengaluru, Feb 3 (NationPress) A recent incident has sparked public outcry regarding the distribution of cards featuring a QR code that directs individuals to Biblical teachings, which unfolded in Bengaluru on Monday.
Local residents and Hindu activists have raised concerns over what they perceive as an effort to facilitate religious ‘conversion’ via digital means.
This event transpired in the Begur area of Bengaluru. According to law enforcement, a group of women was observed distributing cards that resembled personal visiting cards, each embedded with a QR code.
The women asserted that individuals facing challenges such as life difficulties, unemployment, or marital issues could find assistance by scanning the QR code.
One woman, upon observing the group engaging with passersby and sharing the cards, approached them to learn more about their activities.
The group informed her that she could discover solutions to her life challenges by scanning the QR code.
Upon scanning the QR code immediately, it directed her to teachings from the Holy Bible.
Realizing the religious nature of the content, the woman confronted the group; however, the women distributing the QR-coded cards swiftly departed.
Hindu activists have called for action against what they describe as digital religious ‘conversion’ efforts in Bengaluru.
The police indicated that they would investigate further if a formal complaint is lodged. Additional details on this situation are still pending.
In a related incident, on July 22, 2024, Karnataka police apprehended an individual in connection with a purported religious conversion attempt aimed at Hindu pilgrims in the Ballari district. The suspect was allegedly targeting devotees journeying to the Hindu pilgrimage site in Mantralaya.
Furthermore, in November 2022, at least 12 people were detained in Kanakapura taluk of Ramanagara district for allegedly attempting to convert tribal individuals to another faith.
Most recently, on September 3, 2024, Karnataka police arrested a 27-year-old postgraduate medical student, Mohammad Danish Khan, in Udupi district for reportedly trying to forcibly convert a classmate to another religion.
