Vishwa Hindu Raksha Parishad Launches Nationwide Call Centre to Combat Illegal Religious Conversions

The Vishwa Hindu Raksha Parishad (VHRP), a Hindu nationalist organization dedicated to the protection and empowerment of the Hindu community, has launched a 24x7 call centre service named the "Sanatan Helpline" to address cases of alleged illegal religious conversions across India. The initiative, announced on July 21, 2025, aims to curb what the organization describes as forced or fraudulent conversions, particularly targeting vulnerable communities.

The call centre, headquartered in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, is equipped with dedicated help desks in various states, staffed by both men and women to ensure accessibility and sensitivity in handling complaints. Special desks have been established to assist victims associated with specific cases, including those linked to Jamaluddin, alias Chhangur Baba, from Uttaraula in Balrampur district, and incidents reported in Agra. These desks are designed to provide targeted support to individuals claiming to have been coerced or misled into converting their religion.

Background and Motivation

The VHRP's initiative comes in the wake of increasing concerns over alleged religious conversion rackets, particularly following high-profile cases like that of Chhangur Baba. According to reports, Chhangur Baba, a resident of Rehra Mafi in Balrampur, was arrested on July 5, 2025, by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) for allegedly running a large-scale conversion network. Authorities claim his operation targeted economically vulnerable individuals, particularly Hindu women, through financial inducements, coercion, and emotional manipulation, with funding reportedly sourced from foreign entities. The VHRP alleges that thousands in Balrampur and surrounding districts were converted through such means, prompting the organization to take action.

VHRP National President Gopal Rai, who founded the organization on Ram Navami with the goal of strengthening Hindu society, emphasized the need for a robust response to such activities. "The issue of religious conversion has been a growing concern, especially after revelations in cases like Chhangur Baba's. Our Sanatan Helpline is a step towards empowering victims to come forward and seek justice," Rai stated during the launch event in Lucknow.

Structure of the Call Centre

The Sanatan Helpline operates round-the-clock, with state-specific help desks to ensure localized support. Each desk is staffed by trained personnel, including both men and women, to handle calls and document cases of alleged forced conversions. The inclusion of female staff aims to provide a safe space for women victims, who are often the primary targets in such cases, to share their experiences.

Special desks for Chhangur Baba’s victims in Uttaraula and conversion-related incidents in Agra have been set up to address the specific challenges faced by those affected in these regions. The Agra desk, for instance, responds to historical and ongoing concerns about conversion activities, such as the 2014 incident where Hindu nationalist groups were accused of misleading Muslims into participating in a Hindu ritual under false pretenses of government benefits. The VHRP’s call centre aims to provide legal and emotional support to those seeking to return to Hinduism or report coercion.

Response to Chhangur Baba Case

The Chhangur Baba case has been a significant catalyst for the VHRP’s initiative. Investigations by the Uttar Pradesh ATS and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have revealed that Chhangur Baba, once a modest vendor of amulets, allegedly amassed wealth worth over ₹106 crore, primarily through foreign funding from Gulf countries. His network, reportedly spanning Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Nepal, and the Middle East, is accused of targeting over 4,000 individuals, particularly young Hindu women, for conversion to Islam through financial promises, threats, and marriages to members of his network.

Victims have shared harrowing accounts of coercion, with some alleging physical abuse and gang-rape by associates of Chhangur Baba. The VHRP has facilitated the "ghar wapasi" (homecoming) of several victims, including 15 individuals who reconverted to Hinduism at a ceremony in Lucknow’s Shanidev temple on July 3, 2025. Gopal Rai has claimed that the organization is working closely with authorities to provide evidence, including financial transaction records, to dismantle such networks.

Broader Context and Controversy

The VHRP’s call centre initiative is part of a broader campaign by Hindu nationalist groups, including the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), to counter what they describe as "unlawful conversions" and "love jihad"—a term used to allege that Muslim men target Hindu women for conversion through romantic relationships. The VHP, a related organization, has previously launched similar drives, such as an 11-day campaign in 2022 to promote "ghar wapasi" for those who wish to return to Hinduism.

However, such initiatives have sparked controversy. Critics argue that Hindu nationalist groups, including the VHRP and VHP, often target marginalized communities, such as Muslims, Christians, and Dalits, with accusations of forced conversions, sometimes without sufficient evidence. The 2014 Agra conversion incident, for example, was deemed fraudulent by the Uttar Pradesh Minorities Commission, which found that participants remained Muslim and were misled about receiving government benefits. Human rights groups have also accused such organizations of promoting communal tensions and vigilante actions, citing incidents like cow vigilantism and protests against interfaith relationships.

Official Response and Future Plans

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has described Chhangur Baba’s activities as "anti-national," signaling strong state support for cracking down on alleged conversion rackets. The VHRP has called for stricter anti-conversion laws and greater coordination between state and central agencies to address the issue. The organization plans to expand the Sanatan Helpline’s reach by increasing awareness through public meetings, social media, and literature distribution, aiming to expose what they describe as "conspiracies" behind conversion activities.

The call centre’s launch has been widely discussed on social media, with posts on X highlighting its role in addressing conversion cases and supporting victims. The VHRP encourages individuals to contact the helpline to report incidents or seek assistance, assuring confidentiality and support for those affected.

Conclusion

The Vishwa Hindu Raksha Parishad’s Sanatan Helpline marks a significant effort to address the contentious issue of religious conversions in India. By establishing a nationwide call centre with state-specific and case-specific desks, the organization aims to provide a platform for victims to seek justice and return to their original faith. While the initiative has garnered support from some quarters, it also raises questions about communal harmony and the potential for escalating tensions in a diverse nation. As investigations into cases like Chhangur Baba’s continue, the VHRP’s callAt centre is likely to remain a focal point in the ongoing debate over religious conversions in India.