Amravati, Maharashtra: A pastor from Kerala and seven other individuals, including four women, were arrested in Amravati district of Maharashtra following allegations of attempting forcible religious conversions. The arrests were made after a complaint was filed regarding a religious gathering in Shingori village under the Benoda police station area.
According to police officials, the complaint was submitted by Laxman Devidas Shende, a resident of Warud, located around 80 kilometres from Amravati city. Shende alleged that a priest wearing white robes was conducting religious preaching in the village and offering money to local residents as an incentive to change their faith.
The complainant stated that the pastor was accompanied by seven other individuals. According to the complaint, the group first visited the residence of a villager identified as Ritesh Shankarrao Bondre. Later, they gathered at a nearby temporary structure, known locally as a mandap, where religious activities were allegedly conducted.
After receiving information about the gathering, local police officials brought all eight individuals to the police station for questioning. Following preliminary inquiries, police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the accused under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The charges include allegations of deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings and making statements with the alleged intention of hurting the religious sentiments of a community. Police officials said that further investigation is underway to examine the nature of the gathering, the allegations made by the complainant and the evidence available in the case.
The arrests have drawn political attention, with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressing concern over the incident. He stated that any action against individuals based on religious identity should be examined carefully and that legal procedures must be followed.
The case has also renewed discussions in Maharashtra and other states regarding allegations of religious conversions through inducements. Hindu organisations have frequently raised concerns that economically weaker sections of society may be targeted through financial assistance or other benefits during religious outreach programmes.
Supporters of stricter action against unlawful conversions argue that offering money or material benefits to influence religious choices undermines genuine freedom of faith. They have demanded proper investigations into activities that allegedly involve force, fraud or inducement.
On the other hand, Christian organisations have often maintained that prayer meetings, religious preaching and community outreach activities are protected under constitutional rights. They have argued that allegations of conversion are sometimes made against legitimate religious gatherings without sufficient evidence.
Police officials in Amravati have stated that the matter is being investigated and that further action will be taken based on the findings of the probe. The allegations against the pastor and the other accused individuals will be determined through the legal process.