NGO Workers Attacked in Indore Over Alleged Religious Conversion

Rapid Summary:

• On July 24, 2025, members of the NGO howl Group were attacked in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, by right-wing activists over allegations of religious conversion.
• The incident occurred near the Indore Press Club where NGO members had gathered for a press conference to address claims of running a “conversion racket” in Shukrawasa village (Dewas district).
• Local reports allege that the activists assaulted NGO founder Sourav Banerjee and others,including women. Faces of some members were blackened during the attack. A purported video also surfaced online documenting these actions.
• Additional DCP Ramsanehi Mishra stated that no formal complaint has been filed with local police yet despite law enforcement intervening during the assault.
• According to Howl Group’s statement, rumors accusing them of religious conversions have been spreading in Dewas for months before culminating in this attack.
• Sourav Banerjee denied all allegations and challenged those accusing his group to present evidence or name individuals converted by his NGO.
• Dewas Additional SP Harnarayn Batham confirmed parents had alleged “brainwashing” practices but stated police are continuing their examination to establish facts.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

this incident underscores ongoing tensions regarding accusations and suspicions linked to religious conversions-a topic frequently debated across India in recent years. Notably, while NGOs like Howl Group play crucial roles in social advancement areas such as health and education, instances like this highlight challenges they face amidst rising concerns over religious influences.

The absence of a formal police complaint from either party reflects ambiguity surrounding legal repercussions thus far; proper investigations will be necessary to ascertain accountability on both sides before drawing conclusions about culpability or motives behind such actions.

For Madhya Pradesh-which has seen previous controversies around conversions-the event carries implications for societal cohesion and journalistic clarity amidst contrasting narratives circulating locally online/in public spaces shaping responses nationally too.b Users curious individual /more :