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India

• Christian Women Released on Bail

  

  On August 18th, VOMC posted a Persecution & Prayer Alert containing a report about six Christian women in Uttar Pradesh, India, who were arrested for allegedly participating in forcible conversion activities. The allegations and resulting detainment took place after these women had gathered for a birthday party, where they prayed before they cut the cake. (See this page for more details.)

• Several Christian Women Facing Charges

  

  On July 30th, six Christian women in the Maharajganj area of Uttar Pradesh, India, were taken into custody based on charges of forced conversions. The charges were laid after members of a Hindu nationalist group, the VHP, alleged that the women were inducing others to convert to Christianity during a birthday party.

• Church Sealed Over Conversion Allegations

  

  Christians in the village of Geltua, which is located in Odisha State, are questioning the sealing of their church building after authorities issued a mandate on May 17th ordering the believers to stop gathering for worship. According to one official named Manoj Patra, complaints had been filed by Bajrang Dal members claiming that the church was involved in illegally converting others of their tribal community to Christianity.

• Pastoral Couple Arrested Due to ''Forcible Conversion'' Allegations

  

  Karnataka became the latest Indian state to officially pass anti-conversion legislation after the state's governor signed the law into effect on May 17th. On that same day, members of the Hindu nationalist group Bajrang Dal filed a complaint against Pastor V. Kuriyachan and his wife Selenamma, alleging that they have illegally converted more than 1,000 Hindus from the Yerava tribal community by visiting the area's coffee plantations.

• Inaction Against Accused Police Officer

  

  On February 5th, the thatched-roof building where Christians in Kistaram, Chhattisgarh, used to gather for worship had been burned to the ground. Investigations suggest that an opposing local police officer named Bhavesh Shinde was responsible for the crime. (To review information provided in our initial report on the attack, go to our country report.)

• Pastor Tortured in Police Custody

  

  On April 16th, a Christian pastor was arrested in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh under false charges of conversion activities. The pastor and his family were visiting relatives in the village of Anamouh Anam and, as part of their visit, they all joined together in a time of singing praises to God and prayer. However, police were notified of the gathering by a neighbour who overheard the Christians' voices.

• Anti-Conversion Laws Expand to Haryana State

  

  Despite strong opposition, and even walkouts organized by opposing politicians, the Haryana Assembly in northern India passed the "Haryana Prevention of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill" on March 22nd. The bill's stated purpose is to instill fear among those who might be involved in unlawful conversion activities.

• Pastor Killed by Masked Men

  

  Pastor Yallam Shankar was at home in Angampalli, Chhattisgarh, on March 17th when five masked men suddenly burst in. After dragging the pastor from his home, the attackers stabbed him to death outside. The slain man is survived by his wife, two sons and grandchildren.

• Pastor Beaten Over Conversion Allegations

  

  On the morning of February 25th, Pastor Kelom Kalyan Tet was returning from visiting a friend when he was accosted on a street in South Delhi by a mob. Accusing the pastor of illegal conversion activities, they began to beat him. The assailants took his bag, which contained his phone, papers and Bible, and tied him to a road divider at a busy intersection. They continued to abuse him, beating him and tearing his clothes while forcing him to chant "Jai Shri Ram," a Hindu slogan of devotion.

• Four Christians Jailed on False Charges

  

  Four Christians, including two pastors, were jailed on false charges of conversion activities in Madhya Pradesh's Betul district on February 19th. According to the complaint, Raju Bhalavi and his wife Ruth had thrown a "mutton party" in their home village of Udama. Denny Paul and Cybus Ivne, who had been visiting from the neighbouring state of Maharashtra, were among the guests.