British citizen booked in Pune over forced conversion allegations, probe underway
Mumbai, August 11: A case has been filed at the Khadak police station against a British citizen for allegedly attempting forced conversion through sermons at a church in Pune district, Maharashtra. The Khadak police station team is conducting a thorough investigation into the matter.
The police officer investigating the incident stated on Tuesday that the accused is originally from Maharashtra, but currently holds British citizenship and does not live in India. He had been living in Pune for the past few days and attended sermons and other religious programs at a church in Guruwar Peth, Pune, three days ago. The British citizen is accused of allegedly luring people to convert during these religious programs.
Following the complaint, activists from Hindu organizations went to the Khadak police station and informed the police about the matter. Police are now investigating what exactly was said during the sermon, whether any attempts were made to convert anyone, and whether the foreign national possessed the necessary legal permission for the activities. The true nature of the allegations will only become clear after the police investigation is complete.
Dr Prashant Amritkar, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Special Branch, Pune Police, stated today that since the approval of the new anti-conversion law in Maharashtra, two cases have been registered under it in Pune city. The first case was registered at the Fursungi police station on August 5th, while the second case was registered at the Khadak police station on August 9th.
In the first case registered at Fursungi, the complainant alleged that his daughter was raped and pressured to convert. Police are also investigating this case. In the second case registered at the Khadak police station, a British national is accused of attempted conversion. Police are investigating the facts surrounding the sermon and religious events, the allegations made in the complaint, and the legal status of the individual involved in religious activities in India. The allegations made in both cases can only be confirmed after investigation.
