The VHP had accused Singh of forcibly converting Hindu villagers, breaking idols of Hindu gods and goddesses and throwing them into the village well, he said, adding that they issued warning that if the meetings continued or any Christian from outside the village was seen again, they would resort to unprecedented violence.
The Hindu extremists also manhandled Singh, after which officers took him to the Baksa police station, where he was detained for interrogation, he recalled.
According to Compass, besides demanding a bribe, the police had pressurized Singh to "reconvert" to Hinduism if he wanted to live peacefully in the village. However, when he refused to do so, they released him, instructing him to to come back to the police station the following morning.
On October 5, Singh was detained in the police station till evening for questioning. Later, he was also questioned by officials of the Criminal Investigation Division (CID).
However, the officials could not find any evidence against Singh or any other church leader.
"Let us intercede for the Christians in Jaunpur district, especially for Sanjay Singh and evangelist Rajendra Chauhan as he leads regular prayer meetings on Saturdays and Sundays," EFI's Rev. Howell has urged.
Nation
False reports of mass conversion spark tension in Uttar Pradesh
By: Jacob Chaterjee
Friday, 17 November 2006, 7:31 (IST)
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