Father Arrested in Uttar Pradesh After Publicly Humiliating Son Over Suspected Religious Conversion

HATHRAS, India — A 65-year-old man in northern India has been arrested along with his younger son after allegedly subjecting his elder son and daughter-in-law to public humiliation over suspicions that they had converted to Christianity, police said this week.

The incident occurred on April 20 in Garaw Garhi village, in the Mursan area of Hathras district, Uttar Pradesh, and has drawn national attention after a video of the episode circulated widely on social media.

According to local authorities and reporting by The Times of India, the accused, Shivraj Singh, forced his elder son, Balram Singh, 40, and Balram’s wife, Meena Devi, 38, to wear garlands made of sandals — a gesture widely regarded in India as deeply degrading — during a village council, or panchayat, gathering. Shivraj’s younger son, Tarachand, 38, is also accused of verbally abusing the couple and physically assaulting them.

The dispute began when Balram, who works as a ride operator at fairs in Agra, returned to his village with his family. His father reportedly grew suspicious after noticing changes in his behavior, including declining to participate in traditional Hindu greetings and refusing to accept prasad, a customary religious offering.

Tensions escalated within the family and were brought before the village council, where the alleged humiliation took place in front of other residents.

Yogendra Krishna Narayan, a local police official in Mursan, said a First Information Report (FIR) had been registered and both accused men were taken into custody under preventive provisions of Indian law.

“Further legal action will proceed in accordance with the law,” Mr. Narayan said, adding that investigators are also examining the role of other villagers present during the gathering.

The response from law enforcement has drawn criticism from the victims’ representatives. Ronny Solomon, a lawyer assisting the couple, told UCA News that police initially hesitated to file a comprehensive complaint, describing the matter as a “family issue.”

“It is unacceptable that individuals are subjected to such degrading treatment simply for practicing their faith,” Mr. Solomon said.

Religious leaders and rights advocates echoed those concerns. The Rev. Joy Mathew, who has worked with Christian communities facing harassment in Uttar Pradesh, said the incident reflected a broader pattern of intolerance. Minakshi Singh, associated with the charitable organization Unity in Compassion, called for full criminal prosecution.

A Broader Climate of Religious Tension

The episode comes amid ongoing debate over religious freedom in Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, where more than 200 million people live. Roughly 80 percent of the population is Hindu, while Christians account for less than 1 percent.

In 2021, the state enacted the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, which prohibits religious conversions carried out through coercion, fraud or inducement. The law, later amended, has been criticized by some rights groups, who argue it is often used to target religious minorities.

India’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion under Article 25, but watchdog organizations say tensions have risen in recent years. Open Doors, an international monitoring group, ranked India 12th on its 2026 World Watch List of countries where Christians face the most pressure.

Advocates say accusations of forced conversion are frequently used by hardline groups to justify harassment, social boycotts or violence against minority communities.

The Hathras case underscores those concerns, highlighting how suspicions of religious change — even within families — can escalate into public acts of humiliation and abuse.

Police officials said they are continuing to monitor the situation to prevent further unrest. []