At least 14 Christians from three families were allegedly "re-converted" to Hinduism at a "ghar wapsi" ceremony at Baulakani village in Odisha s politically-sensitive Kendrapara district, according to a local VHP leader.

The "purification ceremony" was conducted at the village temple under the stewardship of local Vishwa Hindu Parishad yesterday, VHP leader Umesh Das said.

"It s home-coming for the people who had embraced Christianity a decade back following inducement by foreign missionaries. After consulting us, they expressed willingness to return to their old faith. All of them voluntarily embraced Hinduism", alleged Umesh Das.

Kendrapara District Magistrate and Collector Reghu G said "We have been informed of re-conversion in Mahakalpada area. A probe has been ordered into the matter. The administration would look into whether the reconversion took place within the framework of law .

The VHP leader claimed that those who came back to Hindu fold in a sworn affidavit before a notary had said they were embracing Hinduism voluntarily without either overt or covert pressure from anybody.