Pune Records First Two Cases Under New Religious Freedom Law
Police said the accused used religious gatherings and superstitious claims to attract followers, and the case is being investigated under new federal and state laws.
- On Monday, Pune police registered an FIR against a UK-based Overseas Citizen of India cardholder for allegedly attempting to induce religious conversions to Christianity at gatherings in Guruwar Peth.
- The Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, came into force on August 1, prohibiting conversions through coercion, fraud, or allurement, with enhanced penalties for cases involving minors and protected categories.
- Investigators allege the accused used Hindu religious terms including 'kirtan,' 'Sant,' and 'Mauli' at a Marathi church to mislead devotees and promote Christianity, police said.
- Senior Inspector Amol More stated that while OCI cardholders may attend functions, "they cannot preach, conduct kirtans or deliver religious discourses without obtaining the requisite permission."
- Authorities booked the Manchester resident under both the Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, and the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, as police confirmed investigations remain ongoing.
12 Articles
12 Articles
UK-based OCI among 2 booked under new law in Pune for religious conversion bid
Pune, Aug 11 (PTI) Police have registered separate cases against two persons, including a UK-based Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, in Pune city under a newly-enacted law for trying to force religious conversion, officials said on Tuesday. These are the two first cases registered in Pune after the new law — Maharashtra Freedom of […]
British Man On Tourist Visa Charged Under New Anti-Conversion Law In Pune
According to allegations by Hindutva organisations, the British national was delivering sermons at a church in Guruwar Peth during his stay in Pune and using them as a pretext to convert people.
Pune conversion case: UK-based OCI holder booked under new Maharashtra law
Pune Police registered an FIR against a UK OCI cardholder for alleged religious conversion attempts. The accused allegedly spoke about Jesus and made statements about Hindu deities. In a separate case, a 21-year-old man was arrested under the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act. This development follows a wider debate over religious conversion and foreign funding. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis stated that transparent organizations have nothin…
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LatestlyPune Police book UK-based OCI cardholder for allegedly attempting to convert people to Christianity
The Pune City Police have registered an FIR against an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder from the United Kingdom for allegedly attempting to convert people to Christianity through religious gatherings, a police official said on Monday.
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