Police in the northwestern Indian state of Rajasthan recently registered the first case under
the state’s recently enacted anti-conversion legislation against two missionaries. The Christians were accused of carrying out religious conversions at a gathering through “allurement,” according to media reports.
After registering the case on Nov. 20, police issued notices to the two missionaries – Chandy Varghese from New Delhi and Arun John from Kota – claiming they promoted conversion and baptised several people during a three-day program known as ‘Spiritual Satsang’ at Beersheba Church in Kota.
Police investigated after videos and social media clips surfaced showing event speeches and activities. Several youths allegedly announced from the stage that they put their faith in Jesus Christ and were baptized, while calling upon others to adopt Christianity. Rajasthan is one of 12 states in India that has strict anti-conversion laws.
A first information report (FIR) was registered by the police after complaints were lodged by local office-bearers of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and its radical youth wing, Bajrang Dal, hardline Hindu groups active in controlling Christian activities.
The FIR registered at Borkheda police station stated that the accused made offensive remarks about the Hindu community and described the Rajasthan government as the “devil’s kingdom.”
The two missionaries, who denied any wrongdoing, were booked in part under the Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2025.
Meanwhile, police said they would examine the social media footage and the statements by attendees.
The Rajasthan government passed a stringent version of its anti-conversion bill in September with punishments ranging from lengthy prison time to strict fines for repeat offenders.
Government officials said the bill would prevent religious conversions through coercion, misrepresentation or fraudulent means.
The legislation, however, has drawn criticism for its steep penalties, including life imprisonment and confiscation and demolition of property for carrying out conversions.
Petitions were filed in the Supreme Court challenging the validity of the Act, and notices were sent to the state government. The petitioners contended that the law was “constitutionally flawed” and contradicted the Supreme Court’s judgments and asserted that the state legislature had exceeded its authority in enacting the law.
