Residents of Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh, expressed their outrage during a protest rally in response to a recent incident involving alleged forced religious conversion and suicide. The demonstration took place on Wednesday, following the tragic death of a 30-year-old man, Linesh Sahu, who reportedly took his own life after claiming he was pressured by his wife and in-laws to convert to their religion.

### **Incident Overview**

The incident occurred on December 7 in Potiyadih village, where Sahu's family alleges that he faced constant harassment regarding religious conversion. Before his death, Sahu shared his distress on social media, accusing his wife and her family of coercing him into changing his faith. Following the complaint from his family, police arrested four individuals, including Sahu's wife and her relatives, under charges of abetting suicide.

### **Community Response**

In light of this incident, members of the Sanatan Sena organized a rally to demand action against forced conversions. Protesters voiced their concerns about what they describe as a growing trend of coercive religious practices in the district. Deepak Thakur, a member of the Sanatan Sena, emphasized the need for stringent measures against such activities to prevent further incidents that could disrupt community harmony.

### **Demands for Action**

During the rally, participants called for legal action against those involved in the alleged coercion and requested compensation for Sahu's family from the authorities. They argue that illegal conversions not only harm individuals but also create a toxic environment within society. Premnath Sahu, the deceased's father, insisted on strict penalties for those involved in forced conversions to protect national security.

### **Background of the Case**

Linesh Sahu had been married to Karuna Sahu since September 2023. According to reports, the pressure to convert began shortly after their marriage. His family revealed that he had been deeply troubled by the situation and felt isolated due to the constant demands from his in-laws. Tragically, after expressing his feelings online, he ended his life. The police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding this case while also addressing community concerns regarding forced religious conversions in the region.