Police announces reward for kingpin Kishori Lal Balmiki in Agra conversion row

LUCKNOW: Local police has announced a cash reward for the arrest of Kishori Lal Balmiki, main accused in the "forced conversion" of about 100 people mostly Muslim slum dwellers in Agra to Hinduism, a top official said today.

"The Agra police has declared a cash reward of Rs 5000 on the arrest of the main accused Kishori Lal Balmiki in the alleged forced reconversions there", Inspector General (IG) Law and order, A Satish Ganesh, said here.

A local court has also issued non-bailable warrants against Balmiki and his mobile phone has also been put on surveillance", the IG said.

Agra police would soon send a team to West Bengal for verification of the place of origin of those who were allegedly forced to reconvert, he added.

Refuting that none of the affected people have left the place, Ganesh said since they were living in fear after the recent episode, concerned police station was extending them security and have assured them of their safety.

Earlier this week, Agra police had filed an FIR in connection with the "forced conversion" of about 100 people, mostly Muslim slum dwellers allegedly by Hindu outfits.