Bhiwandi: The Bhiwandi Taluka Police on Friday night arrested a 58-year-old American citizen and two local residents for allegedly attempting to convert villagers in Chimbipada to Christianity during a prayer meeting.
The accused have been identified as James Watson (58), a US national currently residing in Thane; Sainath Ganpati Sarpe (42) from Palghar; and Manoj Govind Kolha (35), a resident of Chimbipada, Bhiwandi.
According to the police, the incident occurred during a gathering organized outside Kolha’s residence, which was attended by around 35 villagers. During the meeting, Watson and his aides allegedly preached about Christianity and read from religious texts brought in a vehicle.
A complaint filed by a local resident, Ravinath Bhurkut, alleged that the accused denigrated Hinduism as being rooted in superstition and claimed that converting to Christianity would bring happiness and prosperity. The complaint further stated that the group claimed illnesses could be cured through prayers to Christ and by consuming wine offered as “prasad.”
Police said Watson and his associates also allegedly identified four girls who were said to be unwell and “forcibly detained” them briefly while Watson placed his hands on their foreheads, claiming to channel “divine power” for healing.
Following the complaint, police registered a case under Sections 299 (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings) and 302 (intentionally hurting religious sentiments) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with provisions of the Foreigners Act for alleged visa misuse and the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013.
Senior Inspector Harshavardhan Barve said that Watson had entered India on a business visa, which was being misused for religious activities. “Further investigation is underway,” he added.
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