Meerut,

19 March (HS): Ravi Kumar Azad, a pastor, was arrested in Meerut on suspicion

of persuading people to convert to Christianity using money incentives.Azad had been on the run since August

2024.Five other accused were already in

jail, and Azad's arrest was facilitated by a special squad and a tip-off.

In a significant breakthrough, officials

detained a pastor accused of arranging forced religious conversions in Meerut.The preacher, Ravi Kumar Azad, was arrested

on Wednesday.Azad, who had been dodging

arrest since August 2024, reportedly encouraged people to accept Christianity

by offering cash incentives, with a focus on the Scheduled Caste population.The arrest followed a thorough investigation

by the Meerut Crime Branch and other law enforcement organizations,

underscoring ongoing efforts to combat illegal religious conversion activities

in the region.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi