A contentious situation has unfolded as the Church of Sign and Wonder, located in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, along with a pastor from Punjab, faces allegations of targeting Hindus for conversion activities. Since February 2022, the church has been under scrutiny for its social media posts claiming miraculous healings of various ailments, from broken bones and paralysis to even resurrecting a baby supposedly deceased in pregnancy. These claims have prompted accusations of fraud and deceptive practices.
Rohit Singh, an advocate in Himachal Pradesh, has taken a stand against these alleged activities by filing a formal complaint. In this complaint, he has requested the registration of an FIR with local authorities against three entities:
- Individuals who claim to have experienced miraculous healings.
- The Palampur Church.
- The pastor from Punjab – Ankur Narula who runs the Ankur Narula Ministries
The primary aim of this complaint is to put an end to what is perceived as ongoing conversion activities. According to Singh, these entities have violated the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Himachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act of 2019.
In an unusual twist, individuals who claim to have been miraculously healed are not considered victims in Singh’s complaint. Instead, they are implicated as active participants in what he alleges to be a fraudulent scheme. Singh argues that they play a significant role in enticing innocent Hindus towards conversion and dissuading them from seeking conventional medical treatment. Such actions, if proven true, could have dire consequences for public health and order.
Efforts to address this issue have escalated, with Singh filing the complaint not only with the local Superintendent of Police (SP) but also with the Director General of Police (DGP), the Governor, and the Home Ministry. In addition to requesting an investigation into the allegations, Singh is advocating for medical examinations of the individuals involved to determine the authenticity of their claims. If fraud is confirmed, appropriate legal action against those implicated will follow.
Singh has made an unconventional proposal: if the pastor and the Palampur Church possess the abilities they claim, he suggests that the government should consider offering them permanent positions in prestigious medical institutions such as IGMC Shimla or PGI Chandigarh.
The controversy has deepened with claims that the Palampur Church has been employing fraudulent testimonials, particularly in collaboration with the pastor from Punjab. These testimonials allegedly induce people towards conversion activities, with claims extending to even the “resurrection” of a deceased child in the womb. Singh emphasises the potential risks, especially for pregnant women, who may forego essential medical advice based on such assertions.
However, Singh has expressed frustration with the response from law enforcement. He alleges that the Bhawarna Police Station, where the initial complaint was forwarded, has failed to initiate an FIR or conduct a thorough investigation, raising concerns about the effectiveness and dedication of law enforcement officials.
In light of these challenges, Singh has recently reasserted his commitment to the cause by filing another complaint with the SP Office, insisting on the filing of an FIR and a comprehensive investigation. Copies of this complaint have also been sent to the Governor, the Home Ministry, and the Hon’ble Chief Justice, in the hope of garnering support for a just resolution in the interest of the Hindu community.
