Pune Police book UK OCI cardholder for alleged religious conversion attempts

Pune City Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against a United Kingdom-based Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder for allegedly attempting to convert individuals to Christianity. The accused, a resident of Manchester, is accused of using religious gatherings to deliver unauthorized speeches and making statements intended to create misconceptions regarding Hindu temples and deities.

The individual has been booked under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, and the newly enacted Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026. While OCI cardholders are permitted to attend religious functions, police stated they are prohibited from preaching or delivering religious speeches without explicit permission.

In a separate incident, a 21-year-old was arrested in Pune under the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act and the POSCO Act for allegedly attempting conversion and sexually harassing a minor. This is reported to be the first case registered under the 2026 Act in Maharashtra.

Additionally, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Bill, stating that tightened norms aim to prevent foreign funds from being used for subversive or anti-national activities, while asserting that law-abiding organizations will face no obstacles.