A major controversy has surfaced in Jabalpur after several Hindu women employees associated with St Aloysius School accused the school administration of allegedly forcing them to convert to Christianity. The women claimed that pressure was repeatedly put on them by senior members of the institution and that they were threatened with losing their jobs if they refused to change their religion.

The allegations have created unrest in the area, with local residents and Hindu organisations expressing anger over the matter. The issue gained further attention after some of the women approached the police and narrated their experiences in detail. Following the complaints, demands for strict action against the school authorities have started growing louder.

Complaint submitted before police

The Hindu women employees who allegedly lost their jobs reached the police authorities and submitted a written complaint against Father Somi Jacob and several senior teachers connected to the institution. According to the complainants, they were called to a church gathering two days earlier where they were allegedly pressured to accept Christianity.

The women stated that when they refused to convert, action was taken against them and they were removed from their jobs. They further alleged that the school management made it clear that they would only be allowed to continue working at the institution if they converted to Christianity and regularly attended church prayers.

The complainants said the pressure was not indirect or casual, but was repeatedly communicated in a way that made them fear losing their livelihoods. For many of the women, the school job was their only source of income, making the situation even more difficult.

Woman employee narrates ordeal

One of the complainants, Deepa Patel, shared her experience and said that she had been working at the school as a sanitation worker for nearly one and a half years. According to her, the situation gradually became hostile after she refused to follow the demands allegedly being made by the management.

Deepa claimed that she was insulted, physically assaulted, and eventually removed from her work. She said that despite informing the priest about the treatment she was facing, no action was taken to help her or address her complaints.

She further alleged that she was repeatedly told to visit the church and accept Christianity. Deepa said the loss of her job has pushed her family into severe financial hardship. Being a widow with two young children, she now faces uncertainty about how she will manage household expenses and continue supporting her family.

The emotional and financial impact of the incident, she said, has left her deeply distressed.

Hindu organisation extends support

After the allegations became public, members of Hindu Dharma Sena reached the office of the Superintendent of Police and submitted a memorandum demanding immediate and strict action in the matter.

Members of the organisation alleged that missionary schools were targeting economically weak and working women by taking advantage of their financial struggles. They claimed that poor employees were being pressured to either accept Christianity or leave their jobs.

Neeraj Rajput, who is associated with the organisation, stated that nearly five to six Hindu women employees were allegedly being pressured to attend church and adopt Christianity. According to him, some of these women had worked at the school for several years, yet they were still removed from their positions despite submitting formal resignation letters.

He further warned that if action was not taken against the school principal and management, the organisation would launch a large protest against the institution and the authorities concerned.

Police start investigation

Additional Superintendent of Police Suryakant Sharma confirmed that the police had received complaints from Deepa Patel, Aman Agarwal, and several others connected with the school.

According to the police officer, the complainants alleged that they were asked to convert to Christianity and were removed from their jobs after refusing to do so. He stated that the police have begun an impartial investigation into the matter.

The officer further said that all allegations are being examined carefully and legal action will be taken if the accusations made by the complainants are found to be true.