Based on the law, Christians can be arrested for illegal religious conversion, following a complaint or accusation from any individual. The scheme is set to intimidate and harass followers of Christ in India. 

More than 30 pastors and other Christians have been detained under the anti-conversion law so far this year. The majority of accusers came from extremist right-wing groups who called themselves “protectors of the Hindu religion.”

Pastor Vijay Singh and three other Christians – identified as Ajeet and Ravi Kumar, and a woman, Sushma – were arrested at the pastor’s house in Sandi Nagin village in Raebareli district on the 22nd February this year. The Hindu media claimed they were part of a “gang involved in converting minors.”

The police alleged that they had received complaints of Christian missionaries organizing prayer meetings and luring people with financial incentives and attracting children with candy and pencils.

Police raided another pastor’s house in the same Raebareli district. Since he was not home, officials took his son into custody instead. 

Another incident happened when Pastor Suresh Chand, his wife Nutan Kumari, and four other Christians – Meena Devi, Uttam Balmiki, Vinit Kumar Redas, and Ladli Devi – were arrested during a Sunday worship service with 400 members of the congregation present. Local media reported this episode as a “major religious conversion case” in Sitapur district. Hindu journalists claimed that the situation was exposed by the Bajrang Dal activists, which led to chaos. The Christians allegedly held three Bajrang Dal workers as hostages till the police arrived and rescued them. Local Christians have denied this claim.

The police are using Holy Bibles found in pastors’ homes as evidence for conversions. It has become increasingly dangerous for Christians to have prayer groups or gatherings in their homes. 

According to a Christian advocate who wished to remain anonymous due to safety concerns: “The anti-conversion law has become a convenient tool to criminalize routine worship activities.”