One more accused arrested in Khatima religious conversion case

my uttarakhand news Bureau

KHATIMA, 30 May: Police in Khatima have arrested one more wanted accused in the ongoing investigation into the religious conversion case of Khatima. The team apprehended Sandeep Singh Rana, a resident of Saboura village and also recovered several important documents from his possession. Two separate cases of religious conversion had earlier been registered at Khatima police station, in which four accused had already been arrested and sent to jail.

According to the police, Rana was arrested near Jainab Brick Field on Jasri-Patpura road under the campaign directed by SSP Udham Singh Nagar Ajay Ganpati. From his possession, the officers seized two birth certificates, photocopies of two Aadhaar cards, a certificate of ordinance, a marriage licence and a graduation certificate in theology. All the documents have been taken into custody and sealed as per procedure. During interrogation, Rana admitted that he had come into contact with Dan Singh Rana and Kamaljeet Singh, after which he became associated with Christianity. He also confessed that in 2019 his wife had already undergone baptism.

The police are now probing the wider network and the role of other individuals in the conversion activities. The investigation is continuing and efforts are being made to trace additional suspects. The arrested accused has been produced before court for further legal action.

The arrest was carried out by a police team comprising Sub-Inspector Ashok Kandpal and Constable Mohammad Mohsin of Khatima police station. Earlier, in the two registered cases, three accused each had been booked, with four already arrested and sent to jail. Dan Singh has also been jailed in connection with the same matter, while efforts are underway to arrest Kamaljeet Singh.

Khatima police station in-charge Bijendra Shah confirmed that further investigation is in progress and all angles of the case are being thoroughly examined.