In a decisive action against illegal religious conversions, the Nigohan police in Lucknow have arrested a man, Malkhan, now known as Matthew, who allegedly led a systematic operation converting over 50 Hindus in Baktauri Kheda village over the past two years. As per the Organiser reports, the accused reportedly targeted vulnerable Scheduled Caste families, luring them under the guise of miraculous healing and financial incentives to renounce their ancestral faith, Hindu dharma, and embrace Christianity.
Organized ‘healing’ gatherings by Matthew used to target Hindus
Police investigations revealed that Malkhan, who himself converted to Christianity in 2016, established a hall on his farmland to host biweekly prayer meetings. During these sessions, he claimed to heal chronic ailments, including epilepsy, asthma, and arthritis, using prayers, sprinkling holy water, and projecting religious Christianity videos. Police sources state that these gatherings were not merely spiritual meetings but carefully orchestrated events aimed at influencing attendees to forsake Hindu dharma.
Authorities noted that women, children, and men were systematically targeted, with Malkhan promising financial support and relief from ailments. Reports indicate that he also spoke against Hindu deities to weaken attendees’ faith before baptizing them into Christianity. Malkhan allegedly involved several family members in his conversion activities and, after his own conversion, changed their names to Christian names to strengthen his network.
Arrest of Matthew and evidence
Malkhan was apprehended on September 27 by a police team led by ACP Mohanlalganj Rajneesh Verma near Hulas Khera Road, Lucknow, following weeks of surveillance. During the arrest, police seized Bibles and other religious materials used to facilitate conversions. Deputy Commissioner of Police (South), Nipun Agarwal, confirmed the arrest and announced a reward of Rs 25,000 for the team involved.
Authorities are probing the financial sources behind Malkhan’s operations. While he provided monetary support to those converted, the investigation is examining whether foreign or local funding facilitated the illegal conversions. Bank accounts of Malkhan and his associates are under scrutiny to trace the flow of funds.
A formal complaint was lodged at the Nigohan police station by Dharma Sharma, district security chief of Bajrang Dal, highlighting how Malkhan and his accomplices conducted mass conversions on Sundays and Thursdays under false pretenses of miracles and financial aid. An FIR was registered under Sections 3 and 5(1) of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, and Section 173(B) of the Bombay Police Act. Sub-Inspector Anuj Kumar Tiwari has been assigned to lead the investigation.
WhatsApp group used to trap SC Hindus
During interrogation, the accused Matthew admitted to running a WhatsApp group called “Yeshu Changai Sabha” (Jesus Healing Assembly). Through this digital network, he systematically targeted poor and uneducated Hindus, especially women and children, inviting them to so-called healing prayers. Police have confirmed that using this WhatsApp network, Malkhan successfully converted over a dozen individuals this year alone and was preparing to convert many more before being caught. This revelation exposes how social media platforms are being weaponized to spread deceit and exploit vulnerable Hindu families in the name of faith healing.
Local Hindu organizations had previously protested against Malkhan’s activities, demanding strict action. The arrest sends a clear message that attempts to exploit vulnerable Hindu communities for religious conversions will not be tolerated and that the authorities are committed to safeguarding the faith and heritage of the people. Uttar Pradesh has already enacted the Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021. The perpetrators of such deceitful schemes must be punished with the strictest measures under the law so that no one dares to even think of converting Hindus through fraud, manipulation, or false promises again.
