Several Christians arrested in Rajasthan following a dispute during a Catholic prayer gathering are still awaiting relief from the state High Court after lower courts declined their requests for bail.
The arrests stem from an incident on 1 May in Kalinjara village in Rajasthan's Banswara district, where Catholics had gathered on private property for a traditional period of prayer dedicated to the Virgin Mary. According to local Christian sources, a group of self-described cow protection activists entered the gathering, interrupted the service and accused those present of carrying out religious conversions.
The prayer meeting, attended by around 80 people, was taking place at a Marian grotto when the group arrived and began recording those present. Christians at the gathering said they were accused of attempting to convert local residents and of possessing beef, allegations they strongly deny.
Following the confrontation, police registered a case naming 15 individuals and listing a further 100 unidentified persons. Those charged included Catholics and one Protestant Christian.
Christian leaders say nine Catholics were arrested, with six currently pursuing bail through the Rajasthan High Court after their applications were rejected by lower courts. Meanwhile, several others named in the case are reportedly seeking legal protection to avoid arrest.
Local believers say fear has spread through the community as police continue investigations.
Residents maintain that the gathering was a regular act of worship and not an effort to convert anyone. Kalinjara is a predominantly Catholic tribal village with a Christian presence dating back more than a century. Other villagers follow either Protestant Christianity or traditional tribal beliefs.
Videos circulating online reportedly show worshippers responding to accusations by asking whether anyone present had been pressured or persuaded to attend the service. According to Christian sources, the recordings also captured heated exchanges between the two groups.
Church representatives said tensions escalated after a dispute broke out between worshippers and the activists. They claim the Christians acted in self-defence during the altercation.
Police later filed charges under several sections of Indian law, including rioting, unlawful assembly and attempted murder. Charges were also brought under Rajasthan's recently introduced anti-conversion legislation, which prohibits religious conversions obtained through force, fraud, coercion or inducement.
Christian leaders have questioned the accusations, arguing that many of those named in the case were not involved in any wrongdoing. They point to examples of individuals listed in the complaint who were reportedly elsewhere at the time of the incident.
In the days following the clash, police carried out further arrests, including some made during overnight operations. Community members allege that several people have since gone into hiding out of fear of detention.
Local clergy expressed concern over the ongoing legal process, saying repeated delays have left families uncertain about the future. Court hearings have been postponed several times, with the latest decision on bail expected in June.
The incident has also heightened tensions in the wider area. Hindu nationalist groups organised demonstrations demanding stronger action against those accused, while Christian leaders voiced concerns about growing pressure on minority communities.
Pastors and church leaders in the region emphasised that tribal communities have traditionally lived peacefully despite following different faiths. They noted that families often include members of different religious backgrounds and said individuals should remain free to choose their beliefs without intimidation.
Christian leaders have called for a fair investigation and urged authorities to protect the rights of all citizens to worship peacefully and practise their faith according to their convictions.
Adapted and rewritten from reporting by Morning Star News.
