Bhubaneswar, Aug 1: In a sweeping move against alleged religious conversion activities, the Odisha government has initiated action across multiple districts following the exposure of a suspected conversion racket operating under the guise of education and hostel facilities for marginalized communities.

The crackdown began in Jharsuguda, where the district administration ordered the closure of the Dream Center Hostel within three days. Investigations have since expanded to Cuttack, Deogarh, Mayurbhanj, Balangir, and Berhampur, with district officials and child welfare authorities inspecting hostel operations and verifying documentation.

The hostels, reportedly run by Faiz Rehman under the banner of Salgadia Happy End Holy Home Society—registered in Bengaluru—are accused of targeting poor, Dalit, and tribal children for religious conversion. Allegations include operating without valid paperwork, receiving foreign funds from countries like Canada and the U.S., and coercing children into religious practices.

In Deogarh’s Nuabhuin area, the district collector ordered an inquiry into an unregistered hostel. Similarly, in Cuttack’s Sankarpur, the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) has recommended legal action against the local Dream Center Hostel. In Mayurbhanj’s Udala Chuliaposi and Balangir’s Banjipali, hostels were sealed or ordered to shut down following reports from district SPs.

ARGUS reporters visiting the Bhubaneswar head office of the organization faced resistance and verbal confrontation from staff when they questioned the legitimacy of operations. Eyewitnesses reported aggressive behaviour and attempts to intimidate the team.

The hostels allegedly received crores in foreign funding, raising concerns about the scale and coordination of the network. While several centers have been closed, questions remain about when action will be taken against Faiz Rehman, the alleged mastermind.

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