Date:09/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/09/stories/2006090924920500.htm
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Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

DSP's wife, daughter `detained' by residents

Staff Reporter

Forcible religious conversion alleged in Langerhouz


  • Case booked against Swarnalata, Sowmya, 6 others
  • No arrests have been made yet, says West Zone DCP Amit Garg
  • Activists of BJP, Bajrang Dal seek severe action

    HYDERABAD: Tension prevailed at Langerhouz on Friday when locals detained eight persons, including wife and daughter of a DSP, accusing them of religious conversion using unfair means.

    A case for alleged house trespassing and hurting religious sentiments under Sections 448 and 298 respectively of the IPC was booked against DSP Anandam's wife Swarnalata, 40, their daughter Sowmya, 20, and six others.

    Though locals handed over the eight persons to the Langerhouz police after detaining them for some time, West Zone DCP Amit Garg said no arrests had been made yet. "We are questioning them and will arrest only if something wrong is found on their part," he said.

    According to him, the DSP's wife, daughter, four women — Sujatha, Vimala, Isthara and Shantamma — Arun Kumar Goud and Narsing Rao went to Prashanthnagar area in Langerhouz for preaching Christianity.

    Complaint lodged

    Narsing Rao, a resident, who subsequently lodged a written complaint, alleged that the group entered his house and those of some neighbours without permission.

    "They began abusing our religion and hurting our sentiments. Not respecting our feelings, they continued to abuse our deities," he charged.

    Criminal case filed

    Angry locals detained the eight persons and called in the police. On coming to know about the incident, activists of the BJP, Bajrang Dal and the Hindu Vahini turned up in the locality.

    They demonstrated in front of Langerhouz police station demanding action against the alleged attempts of forcible conversions.

    Based on Mr. Rao's complaint, the police registered a criminal case.

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