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…
Pune police have booked a UK-based OCI holder for allegedly attempting to convert individuals to Christianity through religious gatherings. The Manchester resident has been charged under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, and the newly passed Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026. According to police, OCI cardholders are allowed to attend religious events but cannot preach or give speeches without proper authorization.
The accused reportedly spoke about the teachings of Jesus and made remarks about Hindu temples and deities that police claim were intended to mislead and persuade people to adopt Christianity. Further investigation is ongoing. Separately, a 21-year-old man has been arrested in Pune for allegedly attempting to convert and sexually harass a minor, making him the first case registered under the new Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026.
These incidents have reignited discussions about religious conversion and foreign funding in the state. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that organizations operating transparently and adhering to the law have nothing to fear from the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, emphasizing that the new legislation is not targeted at any specific community.
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