Police in Maharashtra have arrested an American citizen and two Indian nationals for allegedly attempting to convert Hindu villagers to Christianity during a prayer gathering in Bhuishet village, Thane district.
Authorities identified the American as James Watson, 58, and the Indian nationals as Ganpati Sarpe, 42, and Manoj Govind Kolha, 35. The arrests took place on October 3, following a complaint filed by Ravinath Bhurkut, a 27-year-old local villager.
According to police officer Harshavardhan Barve, the trio was accused of “holding a prayer meeting and attempting to convert Hindus to Christianity.” About 35 villagers reportedly attended the gathering.
The three men have been charged with hurting religious sentiments and violating Maharashtra’s anti–black magic law, with police alleging they promised miraculous cures and prosperity through conversion. Watson, who was in India on a business visa, also faces charges for violating visa conditions that prohibit religious or non-business activities.
The complaint claims that the accused told villagers Hinduism was “based on superstition” and that embracing Christianity would bring “happiness and success.”
Local Protestant pastor Mahesh Bhivadi rejected the allegations, saying the meeting was a regular prayer service held outside Kolha’s home and that “there was no conversion bid on any person.”
“It has become dangerous even for Christians to hold prayer meetings in their own homes,” he said, adding that Pastor Watson had previously visited their community without incident.
Adapted from UCA News.
