Bhopal: A group of carol singers and some priests were detained by Satna police late on Thursday evening for allegedly trying to convert people.

The group’s car was also set on fire by unknown people.

Over 40 people, including priests, were detained by the police and subsequently charged with forceful conversion under Sections 153B (1) and 295A of the Indian Penal Code.

According to reports, Bajrang Dal activists were alerted to a possible forced conversion of one Dharmendra Dohar in Bhumkahar area on Thursday evening.

When members of the right-wing group reached the spot, a feud ensued between the two groups.

After the police arrived and detained both parties involved, Dohar handed in a complaint regarding forceful conversion. The police then detained 42 people, including a few priests who had arrived at the police station to inquire about their colleagues’ detention.

A car owned by the Christian group, which was parked outside the police station, was set on fire by unknown people. While the police have registered a separate case in that regard, there have been no arrests so far.

Sources claim that the Christian group was detained by the police as the former were going about town singing carols ahead of Christmas. The carollers belong to St Ephrem’s Theological College in Satna.

State coordinator of Bajrang Dal, Rajesh Tiwari said, "Satna district has reported previous such attempts to convert people. We demand stringent action in the matter."