Prison Sentence for Alleged Forced Conversions

A Christian couple was recently sentenced to prison after accusations were made that they had been involved in pressuring others to convert to Christianity. Pastor Ramesh Ahirwar and his wife Sakshi are from the village of Vivek Nagar in Madhya Pradesh. A man had accused the couple of abducting his estranged wife Sapna (who also happens to be Pastor Ramesh's niece) before allegedly pressuring her to convert, holding the woman against her will, and not allowing her to return home to be with him. He also purported that the Christian couple offered to build Sapna a home and give her money each month. The complainant, Abhishek, further claimed that the Christians attempted to convert him as well, offering him a job in return.

During the court hearing, Sapna testified that she was neither coerced into changing her religion nor offered any financial incentives. She stated that the pastor did not, in any way, pressure her to stay away from her estranged husband, but that she did so of her own volition. Despite Sapna's testimony, the district court convicted the two believers and sentenced them to two years in prison, along with a fine. The verdict has since been appealed and the next court hearing is scheduled for April 30th.

While anti-conversion laws have already been passed in 12 of India's states, some Hindu nationalist groups are pushing for nation-wide legislation. Considering that the country's general elections are starting on April 19th, VOMC joins its sister mission, Release International – along with other Christian organizations – in the call for an end to this divisive and widely misused legislation, which has resulted in an increase in violence and arrests against religious minorities. To review previously posted reports addressing the persecution of Christians in this South Asian country, please go to our country report.

As the nation of India holds its national elections in the coming days, pray that the country's voters will be guided by a desire for equality and the protection of human rights for all citizens. Also prayerfully remember Pastor Ramesh and his wife Sakshi, along with the many other followers of Jesus who are facing the threat of violence or incarceration because of the false allegations against them – in hopes that justice prevails in each of their cases. While awaiting judicial and/or governmental intervention, may the Lord grant them divine protection, peace, strength, as well as the provisions necessary to meet their individual spiritual and practical needs. Additionally, please intercede for Abhishek, asking God to work in his heart and mind so that any vindictive motives would cease, and that he will ultimately experience a life-changing encounter with the Living Christ.