Synopsis
Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara has issued a warning regarding reported digital religious conversion attempts in Bengaluru, stating that the police will take legal action if any complaints about forceful conversions are filed. The incident involved women distributing QR-coded cards allegedly leading to Bible teachings, raising concerns among local residents and Hindu activists.Key Takeaways
- Karnataka Home Minister addresses digital religious conversion concerns.
- Legal action will follow if complaints are filed.
- QR-coded cards led to Bible teachings.
- Hindu activists demand action against conversion attempts.
- Police to verify facts upon complaint submission.
Bengaluru, Feb 4 (NationPress) Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara issued a warning concerning reported attempts of digital religious conversion in Bengaluru, stating that the police would take action within the legal framework if any complaints regarding forceful religious conversion are received.
In response to inquiries about a novel method of religious conversion utilizing a QR code, Parameshwara remarked, “I am not familiar with the specifics of the case. We are unaware of the developments. The Anti-Religious Conversion Act was enacted during the BJP government in 2020-21, and we have taken steps to repeal this act. We need to ascertain its current status in the Law department.”
A recent incident was reported involving public objections to the distribution of cards embedded with a QR code that directed individuals to Bible teachings in Bengaluru on Monday.
Hindu activists and local residents have accused the group of attempting religious ‘conversion’ through digital means.
This event took place in the Begur locality of Bengaluru. According to police reports, a collective of women were seen distributing cards resembling personal visiting cards, each featuring a QR code.
The women asserted that individuals facing challenges such as life issues, unemployment, or marriage difficulties could find solutions by scanning the QR code.
Upon noticing the group interacting with passersby and distributing the cards, one woman approached to inquire about their activities.
The group informed her that if she encountered any life challenges, she could discover solutions by scanning the QR code.
When the woman scanned the QR code on-site, it led her to teachings from the Holy Bible.
Upon discovering the religious content, she confronted the group, but the women swiftly departed.
Hindu activists have called for action against these digital religious ‘conversion’ attempts in Bengaluru.
The police have indicated they will verify the facts if a formal complaint is lodged. Further details about the case are still pending.
In a related incident, on July 22, 2024, Karnataka Police apprehended an individual in connection with an alleged religious conversion attempt targeting Hindu pilgrims in the Ballari district. The accused was reportedly focusing on devotees en route to the Hindu pilgrimage centre in Mantralaya.
Furthermore, in November 2022, at least 12 individuals were arrested in Kanakapura taluk of Ramanagara district for attempting to convert tribal individuals to another religion.
Most recently, on September 3, 2024, Karnataka Police arrested a 27-year-old postgraduate medical student, Mohammad Danish Khan, in Udupi district for allegedly attempting to forcefully convert his classmate to another religion.
