In Bhiwandi, Maharashtra, police have apprehended three individuals, including a United States national, for allegedly engaging in unlawful religious conversion activities. The accused are James Watson (58), an American citizen, Sainath Ganpati Sarpe (42), and Manoj Kolha (35). They were taken into custody after a complaint was filed by a local villager.
According to the complaint, the accused held a gathering outside a residence in the Chimbipada area of Bhiwandi on Friday afternoon. It is alleged that they were distributing Christian literature and making claims that conversion to Christianity could cure illnesses. This claim is a key element of the accusations against them.
Authorities have booked the three under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Foreigners Act, and the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice Act. These laws cover a range of offenses, from promoting enmity between groups to violations of visa regulations and practices related to human sacrifice, reflecting the seriousness of the charges.
The incident has sparked concern in the community, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding religious conversion issues in India. Similar incidents have occurred in the past. In December 2019, three individuals were arrested in Bhiwandi for allegedly attempting to influence people to convert to Christianity. They were accused of criticizing Hindu Gods and promising rewards for spreading the message of conversion.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are gathering evidence to determine the full extent of the accused's activities and their motivations. The police are also likely investigating the claims that the accused promised to cure illnesses through conversion, which could be seen as a form of inducement or coercion.
This arrest comes amid heightened discussions and legislative actions regarding religious conversions in various parts of India. Some states have enacted laws to regulate religious conversions, often requiring prior government approval for conversions to be deemed legal. These laws are controversial, with supporters arguing they are necessary to prevent forced or fraudulent conversions, while critics contend they infringe upon religious freedom.
The involvement of a US national adds an international dimension to the case, potentially raising diplomatic considerations. It remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold and what impact this incident will have on the broader debate surrounding religious freedom and conversion in India.
