Several persons at a pastor’s home were injured in Bihar’s Katihar district on Sunday after alleged members of the Hindutva group Bajrang Dal attacked them during a prayer, The Indian Express reported.

The Bajrang Dal claimed that attempts were being made to convert people at the gathering.

The Bajrang Dal is part of a group of Hindutva organisations led by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the parent organisation of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

The police are investigating the incident.

The newspaper quoted an unidentified person who was at the pastor’s home as claiming that 40 to 45 individuals had gathered there for the Sunday prayer meeting at about 10 am.

About 30 to 40 men, “some carrying iron rods, sticks and even pistols” attacked those inside the house, the newspaper quoted the witness as saying. At least 10 persons were attacked with iron rods, according to the witness.

A complaint was filed at the Sahayak police station against the violence.

While speaking to reporters, the Bajrang Dal’s district coordinator Pawan Poddar claimed that the organisation had information of religious “conversion activities” being conducted “on a large scale”.

“When we arrived, efforts were underway to entice and persuade 200 to 250 innocent Hindus…” the newspaper quoted Poddar as having claimed. “Several such books and items used for conversion were found. We informed the local police over the phone, and they came and took everyone away.”

Residents were quoted as having claimed that six persons present at the prayer meeting were later detained for questioning.

Shikhar Choudhary, the Katihar superintendent of police, said that information was received on Sunday about alleged religious conversions being carried out in the area.

“Police are investigating, and some people have been brought in for questioning in this matter,” The Indian Express quoted the officer as saying.

He added that the persons making allegations about conversions had “carried out an assault at the spot”.

“We are identifying those involved in the assault, and an FIR has been lodged against them for further action,” he said.

One or two persons were injured and were being treated, the police officer added.