Catholic School Staff Harassed in Indore Over Alleged Conversions

Indore, May 2, 2025: Staff from New Catholic Mission School, Jhabua, were confronted and interrogated by members of the right-wing Hindu group Bajrang Dal on May 1, during a picnic in a park in Indore. The incident, which occurred around 2 p.m. during a Labour Day outing, has raised concerns about religious freedom and rising tensions faced by Christian communities in central India.

According to Fr. Rockey Shah, Public Relations Officer of the Jhabua Diocese, the group—comprising mostly women staff members and two priests—was approached by Bajrang Dal members after they noticed some individuals wearing rosaries. Alleging that the group was engaged in religious conversion activities, the activists began questioning their intentions.

"The activists stopped our staff from boarding their bus after the picnic and insisted they accompany them to the nearest police station," Fr. Shah told Catholic Connect. "When our staff declined, the activists began interrogating several members, especially those from tribal and Dalit backgrounds, asking whether they were being forced to convert to Christianity."

Police arrived on the scene shortly thereafter and, according to Fr. Shah, echoed many of the same questions posed by the activists. After nearly two hours of questioning conducted in public view, police found no grounds for detention or legal action and allowed the group to leave.

The staff had traveled approximately 120 kilometers from Jhabua to Indore for the day-long outing. While no physical violence was reported, Fr. Shah noted that the experience was deeply distressing for the staff involved.

"There was significant mental pressure, and the entire group—mostly women and including four Hindu staff members—felt intimidated," he said. "However, as there was no serious harassment or physical assault, the diocese does not plan to file a First Information Report (FIR) against the men who interrogated our staff."

The incident adds to a growing list of cases where Christian groups have reported being harassed or falsely accused of conversion activities, particularly in Madhya Pradesh, where such allegations have become more frequent in recent years.

By Catholic Connect Reporter