Kerala to probe religious conversions

Kerala home minister Ramesh Chennithala today said the report about 30 people getting converted to Hinduism on Sunday at Cheppad in Alappuzha district will be probed by a senior police official.

The conversion reportedly took place Sunday morning in Alappuzha and Kollam districts.

In Alappuzha, members of eight Christian families - a total of 30 people - reportedly embraced Hinduism at a temple function organised by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).

In Kollam, there were five people who reportedly became Hindus.

Additional director general of Police A Hemachandran has been asked to probe the matter and submit a report, Chennithala told reporters. "He will look into whether any law was violated," he said.

The VHP, meanwhile, said all those who became Hindus on Sunday decided to convert on their own, and all the organisation did was to prepare the stage for it.

Reports said another 200 families in Alappuzha have expressed their desire to embrace Hinduism, and the conversion ceremony was likely to take place on the Christmas day. Anish Balakrishnan, coordinator of 'Ghar Vapasi' initiative said those who wish to come back to Hinduism would be provided all support and protection.

Meanwhile, KPCC chief VM Sudheeran said the development was shocking in a state like Kerala. He added all democratic forces should unite and oppose this move which destroys the fine communal harmony in the state.

Communist Party of India-Marxist state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan alleged the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was behind Sunday's conversions.

In Kerala, Hindus comprise more than 50 per cent of the 32 million population, followed by Muslims with 24 per cent while Christians occupy third place with 22 per cent.