Authorities in Guna district, Madhya Pradesh, have initiated legal action against two pastors and their followers for allegedly conducting a religious conversion scheme disguised as “faith healing” in the village of Mohanpur Khurd.

The Myana police confirmed that an FIR has been filed against Pastors Uttam Barela and Vikas Barela after conducting an initial investigation. This action follows a report by a local resident, Brijesh Bairagi from Karod village, who alerted the police after observing the gathering earlier this month.

A police official informed The Indian Express, “We have apprehended one of the Barela pastors in connection with the case. The complainant is affiliated with a right-wing organization in Guna, and we are currently probing the matter.”

Bairagi’s complaint details an incident on April 5 when he encountered a large assembly under a tent in Mohanpur Khurd, where a so-called “healing congregation” was taking place. He claimed that the pastors were engaging in rituals, including laying hands on individuals, and asserting that faith in Christianity could cure serious ailments such as cancer.

According to police reports, the complaint further alleged that tribal community members were being enticed with offers of medical help and financial support. Attendees were purportedly warned that without conversion, their health issues would remain unresolved, leading to perpetual suffering. The accused allegedly assured participants that converting would not necessitate any changes to their names or caste, enabling them to retain access to government benefits.

The FIR also indicated that substantial quantities of meat and chicken were provided during the event, which the complainant suggested was intended as an incentive to sway attendees.

Investigators noted that videos purportedly capturing the event have emerged online, and additional materials seized from the venue have been incorporated into the evidence. Authorities are also exploring the possibility of a larger network involved in organizing such events in rural regions.

“The suspects are being tracked down, and further actions will be taken based on the evidence gathered,” the police officer stated, emphasizing that stringent measures will be enforced against individuals promoting superstition or engaging in coercive conversions.

Anand Mohan J is a distinguished Senior Correspondent at The Indian Express, spearheading coverage in Madhya Pradesh. With over eight years in journalism, he has built a reputation as a reliable source on matters concerning law, internal security, and public policy.

Based in Bhopal, Anand is especially noted for his in-depth reporting on the Maoist insurgency in Central India. In late 2025, he delivered exclusive on-the-ground coverage of the significant surrender of the last Maoist fighters in Madhya Pradesh, including details about the negotiations and the command vacuum that resulted in the state being declared free of Maoist influence.

His investigative reporting reflects a commitment to “Journalism of Courage,” holding institutions accountable through thorough analyses across several critical sectors:

• National Security & Counter-Insurgency: Anand has chronicled the decline of Naxalism in Central India, documenting security forces’ strategies and the reintegration of surrendered militants.
• Judiciary & Legal Accountability: With over four years of experience covering trial courts in Delhi and the Madhya Pradesh High Court, Anand has analyzed complex legal decisions and uncovered significant institutional failures, including issues of custodial safety and the misuse of the National Security Act (NSA).
• Wildlife Conservation (Project Cheetah): He leads coverage of Project Cheetah at Kuno National Park, addressing the challenges of reintroducing Namibian and South African cheetahs, alongside notable wildlife trafficking cases.
• Public Health & Social Safety: Recent investigations have revealed systemic issues in public health services, including contaminated blood transfusions leading to HIV infections among thalassemia patients and the impact of the fertilizer crisis on rural farmers.

Professional Background:

• Tenure: Joined The Indian Express in 2017.
• Locations: Transitioned from a fast-paced reporting role in Delhi covering legal and labor issues to his current position in Madhya Pradesh.
• Notable Investigations: Exposed scams involving “digital arrests” targeting entrepreneurs, investigated the deaths of elephants in Bandhavgarh, and documented the effects of kodo millet fungus on local ecosystems, as well as changes in power and welfare schemes in Madhya Pradesh.

Digital & Professional Presence:

• Author Profile: Anand Mohan J at Indian Express
• Twitter: @mohanreports

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