4 held for conversion near Madikeri

Madikeri, Sep 21: Four persons were arrested and a vehicle impounded when they were trying to take children from Anandapur for admission to a church at H D Kote.

The incident was reported from Anandapur, near Siddapur, on Saturday, Sep 20. On a tip-off, members of a Hindu organisation rushed to the spot and found Biju of Kottayam, Rohi James of Idikki and Meenakshi and Kumar of H D Kote forcing Hindus to get converted.

The accused, who were trying to convert estate workers, admitted they had taken about 56 children to their hostel at H D Kote. As many as 16 children had been taken during last two weeks.

Police rushed to the spot and recovered books, pamphlets and CDs from the jeep which was impounded. The four accused were taken into custody.

The accused informed the police they were receiving funds from a Vargees Mathew in Andaman. Estate worker Halappa lodged complaint with the police against the four.

UNI