Pimpri Chinchwad police arrested an American national and his Indian associate on Monday, July 28 following allegations of attempting religious conversion through financial inducements.
The arrested individuals are Schaefer Javin Jacob, 41, from California, who lives in an apartment near Mukai Chowk at Ravet in Pimpri Chinchwad, and Steven Vijay Kadam, 46, a resident of Raisoni society in Pimpri who works for a private company. Police also apprehended a 16-year-old minor before releasing him to his mother.
The arrests followed a complaint filed by Sunny Bansilal Danani, 27, a member of the Sindhi community living in Pimpri. According to Danani’s account in the First Information Report filed at Pimpri Police Station, the trio visited his home at around 11.30 am on Sunday.
Danani alleged that the visitors told him he would receive “happiness, peace, wealth, and good mental health” if he embraced Christianity. A police officer stated that according to the complainant, “They claimed that converting to Christianity would bring Danani peace, prosperity, and mental well-being. They allegedly told the complainant that Jesus Christ is the only God and that other deities and religions are fictitious.”
Danani further alleged that the group offered him financial assistance if he converted to Christianity, which he said hurt his religious sentiments, prompting him to approach police.
Police have registered charges against the individuals under sections 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings, and section 3(5) relating to criminal acts by several persons with common intention. Jacob faces additional charges under sections 14(b) and (c) of the Foreigners Act.
Senior Police Inspector Ashok Kadlag said Jacob has visited India approximately seven times since 2016 on tourist and business visas. Police are investigating Jacob’s visa compliance. He extended his visa on 5 July, claiming association with a textile business. “But he was not found doing any business activity here,” Kadlag stated.
Police sources said the two men met during a prayer session. Investigation officer Police Inspector Vijayanand Patil said authorities seized two mobile phones and are examining electronic evidence. “The court has remanded the two accused to police custody for two days. Further probe is on,” Patil stated.
Police confirmed there was no threat to law and order in the area. Authorities are seeking Jacob’s complete travel records from the Bureau of Immigration as investigations continue.
Both arrested individuals appeared before a local court on July 28 and were remanded to police custody, whilst the minor was released to his family’s custody.
