Authorities arrested three Christian leaders on September 23 after Bajrang Dal members disrupted activities at a theological training facility in Pratap Nagar. The intervention came as roughly 100 demonstrators surrounded the Hindustan Bible Institute, forcing cancellation of a planned educational program.
Pastor Ashish, a visiting cleric from Hyderabad, and a local minister were taken into custody as tensions escalated. The arrests occurred during an official visit by administrators from the institute's main campus in Chennai and its Banswara branch.
Demonstrators split into two groups, with 40 entering the building while 60 remained outside. They alleged that forced and fraudulent conversions were taking place there, prompting police to seize electronic equipment, institutional documents, and personal belongings from staff and visitors.
The Hindustan Bible Institute was established in 1952 by Dr. Paul V. Gupta. Operating from Chennai with satellite locations nationwide, including the Pratap Nagar centre, the organization conducts theological education programs and claims to have trained over 13,000 graduates across multiple states.
Senior officers including the Area Commander responded to the scene alongside media personnel. Nearly two dozen local clergy arrived to mediate with law enforcement while investigations continued. The situation later shifted to the police station, where equal numbers of protesters and supporters maintained their presence.
Police acknowledged facing intense pressure as the dispute remained unresolved through the evening hours.
The confrontation followed another episode just two days earlier when a Pastor identified only as Daniel encountered violence during a prayer gathering in the same neighbourhood. That attack reportedly involved several hundred protesters who physically assaulted worshippers, including pregnant women, while confiscating recording devices to prevent documentation.
Advocacy groups, spearheaded by activist Sawai Singh alongside representatives from local Christian organizations and civil liberties unions, approached police leadership to address the escalating situation. They expressed alarm over what they characterized as systematic targeting of faith-based groups.
Local Christian families, especially those who are connected to Church work, reported living in apprehension despite conducting activities they believe fall under India's freedom of worship guarantees.
These events represent part of a wider trend following recent state legislation concerning conversion activities. Media reports have shown that similar disruptions have occurred in Dungarpur, Kotputli-Behror, Alwar, and Anupgarh districts, involving educational institutions and clergy, bringing the total count to nine such episodes across Rajasthan.
Rights organizations are pressing for swift action to halt what they describe as harassment of minority groups, while demanding accountability for those disrupting legitimate worship activities and return of confiscated property to those affected.
The situation remains tense as both sides await further developments from ongoing police investigations.
