A shocking incident has come to light from Kathua district, where a group of tourists belonging to minority religion from Kerala were attacked by locals on suspicion of religious conversion, a claim refuted by the police, reported Jagran

A disturbing video of the assault, which took place in Juthana village under the Jakhol police post, has gone viral on social media, drawing widespread outrage.

According to reports, the group had come to someone’s house to eat food, Ajay Chib, SHO, Rajbagh police station was quoted as saying by the newspaper. 

They were going back. Some people then beat up on suspicion of their conversion. No evidence of conversion has been found so far, the police officer said. 

The mob, armed with sticks and sharp-edged weapons, surrounded the van  and began attacking it.

 In the viral footage, women can be heard screaming as the attackers repeatedly strike the vehicle. Witnesses alleged that several police personnel were present at the scene but did not intervene.

Following the public outcry, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mohita Sharma ordered an inquiry into the incident and suspended eight police personnel, including the Jakhol police post in-charge, for alleged negligence.

“A case has been registered against eight people, including two identified as Ravinder Singh of the Valley and Rohit Sharma of Jakhol. Rohit Sharma has been arrested, while others are absconding,”  Chib, the SHO of Rajbagh Police Station said. 

SSP Sharma confirmed that a case has been filed and an investigation is underway. “All angles, including allegations of religious conversion, will be probed. The safety of visitors will be ensured,” she said.

Local sources said that some residents had accused visitors from Kerala and South India of attempting religious conversions in the area. On Friday, protests erupted in Juthana, with demonstrators demanding strict action and restrictions on outsiders allegedly engaging in conversion-related activities.

However, police officials clarified that no concrete evidence of religious conversion has been found so far.

The incident has triggered tension in the area, prompting authorities to increase security and appeal for calm.