Members of the Bajrang Dal, a right-wing group, attacked a group of men and women at the Indore Press Club. The victims had gathered to hold a press conference to speak about the allegations of forced religious conversions in the Dewas district. The attack happened in full public view, and several women were pushed, shoved, and physically manhandled.

The event turned violent when Bajrang Dal members stormed the press conference and accused the group of converting people to Christianity by pretending to do social work in the forest areas of Dewas. The attackers smeared black ink on some people’s faces and then followed them to a nearby newspaper office, where they were allegedly beaten again with belts, even in the presence of police officers.

Why the allegations started

The controversy started in Dewas district, where the police had received complaints about some men and women living in forest huts in the Barotha police station area. Locals claimed that these people were trying to convert villagers to Christianity.

Saurabh Banerjee, a journalist, was one of the people named in the complaints. He said he came to Indore to clear the air and deny all the claims being made by right-wing groups. But before the press event could begin, Bajrang Dal activists attacked the group, shouted at them, and issued death threats in front of journalists, warning them not to speak to the media.

Later, Avinash Kaushal, a Bajrang Dal member, admitted to the group’s actions. He claimed, “A large-scale conversion racket is being run from the forests near Shukravasa village in Dewas. When these people came to Indore, we tried to explain, but they began threatening us. Large numbers of young women are being converted to Christianity.”

Family accusations and Saurabh’s response

During the press conference, a young woman named Nishika was also present with Saurabh Banerjee. But soon after the event began, her parents arrived at the venue, causing a scene. Her mother, Ruchi Gaur, a resident of Indore, blamed Saurabh for manipulating and misleading her daughter.

Speaking to the media, Ruchi said, "My daughter, Nishika, came in contact with these people and drifted away from us. They brainwashed her to the extent that she refused to listen to anyone. When we tried to stop her, she left home. We somehow brought her back, and she stayed with us for a year and a half. She promised to start her own business and cut ties with them. But then they manipulated her again, and she left us. Since January, we haven't been able to contact her; she won't answer our calls and has broken all ties. Saurabh Banerjee is misleading and brainwashing young people. Children are turning atheistic and can't think for themselves anymore."

In response to all the allegations, Saurabh Banerjee denied any wrongdoing. He said, "We provide medical services. There is no foreign funding involved. Not a single person can come forward and say we forced them to convert. This is a lie. Go to the village and see for yourself. We have been living and working there for five years. A tribal villager gave us land to work from. As for the youth, they are all above 18. How can I be responsible if they choose not to listen to their parents?"

The situation remains tense, and questions are being raised about the role of police, the right to hold peaceful press events, and the freedom of religion and speech in India.

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