Ramesh Ahirwar, an evangelist from the Brethren Church and a humble auto driver from Madhya Pradesh, is facing legal trouble after being accused of forced religious conversion under the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (MPFRA), 2021.
Ramesh, who lives with his wife and three children, had visited a village where his in-laws live to preach the gospel. A young woman in that village came to faith in Christ through his ministry. Later, her family arranged her marriage, and Ramesh and his wife helped in finding a suitable groom. The wedding took place with consent from both sides.
However, after a few months, the woman returned to her parents’ home due to alleged abuse and dowry-related mistreatment from her husband’s family. Upset by her return, the in-laws accused Ramesh and his wife of forcing her to convert to Christianity and filed a police complaint while Ramesh was away in Delhi.
According to reports, police filed an FIR without investigation. Ramesh was arrested upon returning, and his wife and father-in-law were also named in the complaint. While they were initially released that night, formal charges were filed days later. Ramesh received bail on the same day of his court hearing, but his wife and her father were sent to jail for eight days before being granted bail by the Sessions Court.
The legal process forced Ramesh to sell his ancestral land and take a loan to cover legal expenses. During this time, he connected with Persecution Relief, a Christian organisation supporting persecuted believers in India. The group helped with legal aid, covered the fines, and supported the family through the trial.
The court eventually sentenced Ramesh and his wife to two years in prison along with a fine of ₹25,000 each. However, Persecution Relief's legal team successfully secured temporary protection from arrest through the High Court as they prepare for appeal.
The case is notable as one of the first convictions under MPFRA since the law was amended. Ramesh’s father-in-law was acquitted of all charges.
Despite the challenges, the family remains strong in faith. Their story sheds light on the increasing persecution against Christians in the country, while also encouraging many fellow believers to stand firm in their faith amidst rising opposition.
This article is a rewritten version of a report first published by Persecution Relief. The original article can be found here.
