Pune police book British citizen over alleged religious conversion at church

The case was registered at the Khadak police station after a complaint alleged that the British national, who had been staying in Pune for several days, was using religious preaching as a means to persuade people to convert.

Allegations over church sermons

According to the complaint, the British religious leader was delivering sermons at a church in Guruwar Peth during his stay in Pune.

Hindutva organisations had alleged that the sermons were being used as a pretext to encourage people to convert to another religion.

Police conducted a preliminary inquiry following the complaint and subsequently registered a case.

Investigators are now examining what took place during the church event and whether any attempt at religious conversion was actually made.

Police examine tourist visa

The investigation has also focused on the accused's visa status.

Police said the British citizen entered India on a tourist visa. The complaint alleges that he was engaged in religious preaching despite being in the country on that visa.

They are examining relevant visa conditions and other documents as part of the investigation.

First case under new Maharashtra law?

The case has been registered under provisions of Maharashtra's newly enacted religious freedom law, which was recently passed by both Houses of the state legislature.

If confirmed, the case is significant as it is believed to be the first registered under the new legislation.

A team from the Khadak police station is examining documents, the accused's visa details and the allegations made by the complainants.

The investigation will determine whether the activities at the church amounted to an offence under the new law.