Pastor Arrested for Alleged Conversion Activities in Madhya Pradesh State

Pastor Uttam Barela was arrested in Madhya Pradesh on April 11 over allegations that he and another pastor, Vikas Barela, converted tribal people to Christianity through “faith healing.” The complaint, filed by Brijesh Bairagi of the Bajrang Dal, claimed the pastors organized a prayer meeting on April 5, attended by about 400 people, many from the indigenous Bhil community.

The pastors were accused of offering relief from illnesses, including serious ailments like cancer, and promising medical and financial aid during the gathering. Bairagi also alleged that a community feast was held, involving the slaughter of animals, to influence tribal people to convert to Christianity.

Police are investigating the case and searching for the absconding Vikas Barela. Bishop James Athikalam of the Sagar Catholic diocese expressed concern that the Church’s social and charitable work could be misinterpreted as an allurement to convert poor people.

Madhya Pradesh was the first state in India to pass an anti-conversion law in 1968. The current law, enacted in 2021, expands the scope of illegal conversion to include misrepresentation, inducement, and other forms of influence.

The Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 2021, makes conversion through coercion or undue influence a punishable offense, with penalties up to 10 years in prison for cases involving vulnerable groups like tribal people.

Critics argue that these laws are often misused to file false cases against Christian communities. Minakshi Singh, a Christian activist, highlighted the concern of arrests without proper legal procedures or investigations.

Such laws have been enacted in 13 Indian states in recent years, raising questions about their intent and application. The case underscores the tensions surrounding religious freedom and the potential for misuse of legal frameworks to target religious minorities.

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