4 held for alleged conversion

The arrested are Dias (working as an assisyant in a book printing press at Bangalore), Madikeri Lawrence Studio owner Antony Lawrence, Madikeri DAR Police Constable Prasanna and auto driver A J Diwakar.

It may be recalled that three women and an auto driver A J Diwakar were thrashed by the villagers for their alleged involvement in conversion on March 26. The arrested Diwakar was released on bail later.

It was said that Diwakar had continued to engage in conversion along with others. When the villagers were to strip the arrested, the police rushed to the spot and arrested all the four.

When the villagers and pro Hindu Organisations demanded that the SP should visit the spot as a police constable is involved in the incident, the police assured to take strict action against the culprits.

DySP J D Prakash said that strict action will be initiated against constable Prasanna who had identified himself with others who were engaged in conversion. All the accused were produced before the court later.