Tension gripped Herur in Madikeri’s Kodagu district after allegations surfaced that a building constructed in a tribal colony was intended to be used for Christian preaching and religious conversion activities. The situation escalated when a group of Christian people from Tamil Nadu reportedly arrived to inaugurate the building, triggering opposition from local villagers.

As per TOI reports, following objections raised by residents led by former Nakur Shirangala Gram Panchayat president Mandodi Jagannath, a complaint was lodged at the Suntikoppa police station. Police officials, including Kushalnagar Circle Inspector Dinesh Kumar and Suntikoppa PSI Mohanraj, rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control.

Later, Nakur Shirangala Gram Panchayat Administrative Officer Srikanth and Panchayat Development Officer Asma inspected the site. Jagannath alleged that the structure was initially believed to be a residential house but was allegedly being used to promote Christianity and facilitate religious conversions. He urged the Social Welfare Department to initiate appropriate action in the matter.

During the inspection, officials reportedly found that the structure had been constructed without obtaining approval from the Gram Panchayat or other concerned local authorities. The development triggered tense exchanges between villagers and members of the visiting group at the site. Some tribal residents, however, stated that they were only participating in prayer activities according to their faith.

Police later took into custody the individuals who had arrived from Tamil Nadu, along with their vehicles, and shifted them to the police station for questioning. Authorities are currently examining the legality of the construction and investigating the nature of activities allegedly being carried out within the building.

Local BJP leader Heruru Chandrashekar alleged that conversion-related activities were being carried out in the tribal settlement and claimed that the church structure had been illegally constructed on government land. He also raised concerns over the involvement of outsiders who were allegedly participating in religious gatherings within the colony.

Former Gram Panchayat president Jagannath further alleged that welfare benefits intended for Scheduled Tribe communities were being misused and urged the Social Welfare Department to take strict action. Meanwhile, several local organisations demanded a detailed probe into the alleged conversion activities and possible violations of land and construction regulations. Police officials stated that an inquiry is underway to verify whether any laws were violated or if the structure was built without obtaining necessary permissions.