Two individuals were arrested in separate incidents in Uttar Pradesh on allegations of attempting to induce religious conversions to Christianity, according to police officials. The arrests took place in the districts of Rampur and Ballia during Christmas celebrations, drawing attention to the enforcement of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021.

In Rampur, police arrested Pastor Paulus Masih on Sunday following a complaint that he was allegedly trying to persuade members of a Scheduled Caste community in Sohna village to convert to Christianity. The complaint was filed by a local resident, Rajeev Yadav, after reports emerged that conversion activities were being carried out on the occasion of Christmas.

Additional Superintendent of Police Sansar Singh stated that the pastor was arrested by the Patwai police station team and booked under Sections 3 and 5(1) of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021. The law prohibits conversion through force, fraud, coercion, misrepresentation, undue influence, allurement, or marriage and prescribes strict penalties for violations.

In a separate case in Ballia district, police arrested a man identified as Ram Niwas from Titauli village. Authorities alleged that he was attempting to influence members of the Dalit community to convert to Christianity. Police acted after receiving information from villagers and stated that prompt intervention prevented any disturbance to public order.

The arrests came shortly after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials to ensure peaceful Christmas celebrations across the state while maintaining vigilance against any instances of forced religious conversion.

The issue also drew political reactions. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati commented on the broader debate surrounding religious conversions. She stated that both forced conversions and attempts to change religion with malicious intent were wrong and expressed concern over growing tensions surrounding the issue. Police officials said investigations in both cases were continuing under the relevant provisions of state law.