Missionaries try to lure Agra slum dwellers to convert to Christianity with samosas

In what appears to be a case of attempted conversion, residents of a Agra slum were allegedly approached by a Christian group who asked them to embrace the religion in exchange for better education for their children, better homes, and a better lifestyle.

According to news agency ANI, a matter is being probed into the incident.

Agra: Slum dwellers of Sector-4 Awas Vikas Colony in Jagdish Pura say they were approached by people who asked them to convert to Christianity in order to avail education for their children, houses and better lifestyle, police say matter being probed. pic.twitter.com/RiHRKDQrGU

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 9, 2018

One of the residents, known only as Maya said, “They gave us samosas and told us to convert for the sake of our children’s education. A passerby saw this and intervened. As soon as this happened, the ‘father’ removed his robes and changed into plain-clothes.”

Maya added that the police was called soon after. She also questioned the samosas that were served. “Many, including my daughter, started feeling dizzy after consuming the samosa,” she added.

Although an official complaint hasn’t been filed, the SP of Agra city said that a complaint had been filed by an organization. “We spoke to the missionary, who said they were creating awareness on Women’s Day. The other organization has, however, alleged that religious conversions were being done,” he said.

In December last year, A Catholic priest and 40 others were detained in Satna, Madhya Pradesh for alleged forced conversion, who also filed a complaint that their vehicles were set ablaze by Bajrang Dal workers.

One local alleged that the Catholic priest had asked them to take holy dips in the pond and ‘embrace Christianity’.