US Citizen Arrested in Maharashtra for Alleged Religious Conversion Activities

Thane, Maharashtra, October 4, 2025: Police in Maharashtra have arrested a US citizen and two Indian nationals for allegedly attempting to convert villagers to Christianity by promising cures for illnesses.

The incident took place in a village in Thane district, where, according to police, the accused were conducting a gathering outside a local resident’s home. The meeting allegedly involved the distribution of Christian religious books and prayers.

Police identified the arrested US national as James Watson (58). Alongside him, Sainath Ganapati Sarpe (42) of Vasai and Manoj Kolha (35) were also taken into custody. The assembly was reportedly organised outside Kolha’s residence.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), men, women, and children present at the gathering were told that adopting Christianity would heal their ailments. Villagers claimed that the accused encouraged them to change their faith with such assurances.

The arrests were made following a complaint lodged by a local resident. The complainant alleged that the accused held the meeting on Friday in the Chimbipada area of Bhiwandi. Police intervened the following day, detaining the three men.

The police have booked the accused under several provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including Section 299 (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings), and Section 302 (use of words intended to wound religious sentiments). Charges have also been filed under the Foreigners Act and the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013.

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing, and the accused remain in custody.

Source: Live Hindustan

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