The Pune City Police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder residing in the United Kingdom. The individual has been accused of attempting to convert people to Christianity during religious gatherings, as confirmed by a police official on August 11. This action follows an ongoing investigation initiated by the police based on reports of religious activities deemed inappropriate under current laws.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Prashant Amrutkar, the case has been registered in accordance with the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, and the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026. OCI cardholders have specific rights, including attending prayer meetings; however, they require explicit permission to preach or deliver religious talks.

The police have alleged that the accused engaged in discussions about following the teachings of Jesus and made comments that purportedly misrepresented Hindu temples and deities. Authorities suspect that these statements were intended to mislead individuals and encourage them to adopt Christianity.

Details of the Investigation

Investigations are ongoing to gather more information regarding the accused’s activities and the context of the alleged statements. The police aim to ascertain whether the activities were part of a larger agenda or isolated incidents. The actions being scrutinised are serious, especially given the legal frameworks designed to govern religious conversions in Maharashtra.

Furthermore, the police have indicated that the nature of the discussions led by the individual might have implications legally and socially, suggesting a potential breach of both the Freedom of Religion Act and national immigration regulations. There remains a critical focus on the appropriateness of foreign nationals engaging in such activities without adequate authorisation.

Related Case Under Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act

In a separate but related case, a 21-year-old individual has been arrested under the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, along with provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. This arrest, made on August 5, involves allegations of attempting to convert and sexually harass a minor girl. The case, reported at the Fursungi Police Station, appears to be the first of its kind under the newly enacted Freedom of Religion Act in Maharashtra.

This incident has attracted significant attention due to the severe nature of the allegations, as well as concerns about the vulnerability of minors in the context of religious conversion. Investigations are ongoing to determine the details and extent of the alleged crimes, and the police are actively pursuing all leads.

The emergence of these cases highlights a growing scrutiny of religious activities involving foreign nationals in Maharashtra, particularly with the recent legislative frameworks. Both cases underscore the importance of adhering to legal stipulations concerning religious practices and conversions.

Government’s Stance on Foreign Contributions

Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, commented recently on the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Bill, asserting that transparent and law-abiding organisations should not fear the tightening of regulations. He articulated that the amendments aim to close loopholes that allow the misuse of foreign funds for activities considered unlawful or anti-national.

Fadnavis emphasised that organisations engaged in positive contributions would continue to receive support under the FCRA provisions, provided they maintain proper accounting practices. He reassured stakeholders that the regulation is applicable to all organisations, irrespective of community affiliations, effectively encouraging compliance with financial regulations.

The recently reintroduced Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, seeks to enhance transparency regarding foreign contributions, an issue receiving heightened attention in the context of national security. The government invites open discussion on the amendments to ensure clarity for all entities involved in foreign funding.

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