Pune Conversion Case: British Pastor Booked

Pune: A British national has been booked by Khadak Police in Pune following allegations that he attempted to promote religious conversion through sermons and religious programmes at a church in the Guruwar Peth area.

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The case was registered after representatives of Hindutva organisations approached the police and alleged that religious programmes conducted at the church were being used to influence people towards conversion.

According to information available in the case, the British national has been staying in Pune for the past few days and was reportedly conducting sermons and other religious activities at a church in Guruwar Peth. Following complaints from members of Hindutva organisations, Khadak Police registered a case against the foreign national and launched an investigation.

Police are now examining what exactly was discussed during the sermons and whether any attempt was actually made to facilitate or encourage religious conversion. Investigators are also checking whether the British national had the necessary permission to conduct religious preaching or participate in such activities while staying in India.

Police Probe Religious Programmes

According to the complainants, the British national was conducting religious programmes, including sermons and devotional activities, at the church. The allegations have prompted police to examine the nature of these programmes and whether any inducement, misinformation or other prohibited method was allegedly used to influence individuals.

Police are also verifying the rules and conditions applicable to the stay of a foreign national in India, particularly in relation to religious preaching and participation in religious programmes.

Case Draws Attention After New Conversion Law

The case has gained attention as it comes amid discussions over the implementation of Maharashtra’s new law dealing with religious conversions. The legislation provides legal provisions concerning conversions allegedly carried out through force, fraud, inducement, misinformation or other prohibited means.

As a result, the Pune case is being closely watched as one of the early cases being investigated in the city in the context of the new legal framework.

However, police have not yet established that an actual attempt at religious conversion took place. Investigators are examining the contents of the sermons, the nature of the religious programmes and the circumstances surrounding the allegations.

The exact provisions applicable to the case will become clear only after the investigation progresses. Khadak Police are continuing their probe to determine whether the allegations are supported by evidence.

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