Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has stated that a pastor recently arrested for allegedly carrying out religious conversions through inducements had several criminal cases registered against him in the past. The pastor, Domnic D’Souza, and his wife, Joan D’Souza, were arrested by Goa Police following complaints accusing them of luring people to convert to Christianity.

According to police officials, the couple operated from Saligao village in North Goa and allegedly encouraged conversions by offering cash incentives and promising miraculous cures for illnesses. Separate complaints were filed by two individuals, leading to their arrest on Thursday night.

Speaking to reporters, Chief Minister Sawant emphasized that the Goa government fully respects the constitutional right to freedom of religion. However, he stressed that the administration would not tolerate forced or induced religious conversions carried out through financial benefits or false promises. He stated that several allegations regarding the pastor’s activities had previously come to the attention of law enforcement authorities.

The Chief Minister further revealed that D’Souza had faced multiple cases in the past, including one related to the death of a person. According to Sawant, the deceased individual had allegedly been administered a “miracle oil” by the pastor. He added that authorities would continue investigating the matter in accordance with the law.

The police have booked the pastor and his wife under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including sections dealing with promoting enmity between different religious groups and deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings. They have also been charged under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act for allegedly making claims regarding miraculous cures.

The case has sparked public discussion on the issue of religious conversion and the balance between religious freedom and the enforcement of laws against coercion and inducement. Authorities have stated that the investigation remains ongoing.