What Happened in a Kanker Village Amid a Dispute Over Religious Conversion?

A dispute linked to religious conversion has been reported in Bhandardigi village of Durgukondal block in Kanker district, Chhattisgarh, with allegations of assault and the displacement of a family. According to the Progressive Christian Alliance (PCA), five people were allegedly assaulted during the incident and later admitted to Durgukondal Hospital for medical treatment. The organisation said police assisted with their admission for primary care. The five people identified by the PCA are Vikash Salam, 24; Somji Nureti, 40; Naraj Nureti, 30; Pradeep Uike, 25; and Rohan Nureti, 11. Police and civil administration officials reportedly visited Bhandardigi village to assess the situation, gather information and monitor law and order. Officials present reportedly included the Bhanupratappur Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Kanker Deputy Superintendent of Police, Durgukondal Tehsildar and officers from the local police stations. The PCA has called for the matter to be examined through due legal and administrative procedures. It also referred to constitutional protections concerning freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practise and propagate religion, subject to applicable legal restrictions. The organisation appealed to authorities to conduct an impartial inquiry, protect the affected family and take steps to prevent violence, intimidation, forced eviction or social pressure related to religious belief. The allegations reported by the PCA have not been independently verified from the available information. Police and administrative authorities were reported to be monitoring the situation and gathering further details. The incident comes amid continuing tensions in the area surrounding questions of religious conversion. A separate report published on September 22 stated that 18 members of three families had returned to their previous faith, while details surrounding the dispute remained under inquiry. Authorities are expected to assess the circumstances and determine the appropriate legal and administrative response as more information becomes available.