Hindu activists booked for questioning ‘conversion’ bid at govt hospital quarters

KALABURAGI: Nine Hindu activists, including Hindu Jagruti Sene leader Shankar Chowka have been booked under the Prevention of Atrocities Act for allegedly trying to prevent a conversion attempt at a government hospital quarters in Ratkal village in Chincholi taluk.

The activists were booked based on a complaint from nurse Ashwini at the Ratkal police station. Hindu groups have now called for a ‘Ratkal Chalo’ campaign on February 28 to protest against the police action. The protest will be led by Andola Sri, state president of Sri Rama Sene and other groups like Hindu Janajagruthi Sene will participate.

On February 21, Hindu activists had ‘raided’ the government hospital quarters on allegations that nurse Ashwini and Rubika were indulging in conversion to Christianity by offering money as inducement. The activists also lodged a complaint with the Ratkal police after which they visited the spot.

Villagers had also laid siege to the hospital and indulged in a verbal clash with the nurses. “We did not force anyone and those who came willingly were taken to the church. There was no inducement of job or money”, the women claimed.

Following the incident, senior officials of the health department had also visited the spot. Now, however, the police have ignored the complaint by the Hindu activists and acted on the complaint of the nurse, it is being alleged.