A major controversy has erupted in Jabalpur after several Hindu women employees of St Aloysius School accused the institution’s authorities of pressuring them to convert to Christianity in exchange for retaining their jobs. The allegations have triggered outrage among Hindu organisations, with demands for strict legal action against the school management and those accused of coercion.
According to the complainants, the women were allegedly called to a church gathering and asked to adopt Christianity and regularly participate in church prayers. They claimed that when they refused to convert, they were removed from their jobs.
The affected women approached the police and submitted a written complaint against Father Somi Jacob and several senior members of the school administration. In their complaint, the women alleged that pressure was being exerted on Hindu staff members to embrace Christianity and attend church-related activities.
The complainants further alleged that the management made it clear that continuing employment at the institution would only be possible if they accepted Christianity. The issue has since drawn significant public attention in the city, with local Hindu groups accusing missionary institutions of targeting economically vulnerable women.
One of the complainants, Deepa Patel, narrated her experience and claimed she had been working at the school as a sanitation worker for nearly one and a half years. According to her, she was allegedly insulted, physically assaulted, and eventually removed from work.
Deepa stated that she had informed the school priest about the treatment she was facing but claimed that no action was taken in her support. She further alleged that she was repeatedly told to visit the church and accept Christianity.
Speaking about her situation, Deepa said she is a widow and the sole caretaker of her two young children. She added that losing her job has pushed her family into severe financial hardship.
Following the allegations, members of Hindu Dharma Sena reached the office of the Superintendent of Police and submitted a memorandum demanding immediate legal action against the school administration.
Members of the organisation alleged that missionary-run institutions were exploiting the poor financial condition of working women and pressuring them into religious conversion. According to them, several Hindu women staff members and teachers were allegedly told to either convert to Christianity or resign from their posts.
Neeraj Rajput, associated with the organisation, claimed that nearly five to six Hindu women employees had faced pressure to attend church gatherings and adopt Christianity. He stated that some of the women had been serving at the institution for years but were still dismissed after refusing to comply.
Rajput also warned that if action was not taken against the school principal and management, the organisation would launch a large-scale protest.
Suryakant Sharma confirmed that complaints had been received from Deepa Patel, Aman Agarwal, and others linked to the school.
The police officer stated that the complainants had alleged they were pressured to convert to Christianity and were terminated after refusing. He added that an impartial investigation had been initiated and assured that legal action would be taken if the allegations were found to be true.
The incident has intensified debate around allegations of religious conversion activities in educational institutions in Madhya Pradesh, with various groups now closely watching the outcome of the police investigation.
