11 August,2026 04:13 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondent
Further investigation into the matter is underway. Representational Pic
The Pune City Police have registered a first information report (FIR) against an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder from the United Kingdom (UK) for allegedly attempting to convert people to Christianity through religious gatherings, news agency ANI reported, quoting a police official on Monday.
DCP Prashant Amrutkar of the Special Branch of Pune City Police stated that the accused, a resident of Manchester, has been booked under relevant provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, and the newly enacted Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026.
According to the police, OCI cardholders are permitted to attend prayer meetings and participate in religious functions. However, they are not allowed to preach or deliver religious speeches without obtaining permission.
The police alleged that the accused spoke about following the path of Jesus and made statements that allegedly created misconceptions about Hindu temples and deities.
They suspect that the statements were made with the purported intention of misleading people and inducing them to embrace Christianity, the official said.
Further investigation into the matter is underway.
In another case, a 21-year-old man was arrested under the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for allegedly attempting to convert and sexually harassing a minor girl.
The case was registered at Fursungi Police Station in Pune City on August 5, and the investigation is underway.
The case is reportedly the first registered in Maharashtra under the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026.
The developments come amid Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' comments on Monday regarding the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Bill.
Fadnavis said transparent and law-abiding organisations have nothing to fear from tighter FCRA norms. He stated that the primary objective of the proposed changes was to plug loopholes allegedly being exploited by certain entities to bring foreign funds into the country for subversive or unlawful activities.
"The reason for bringing the FCRA Bill is that some organisations have been continuously bringing funds into the country through FCRA and using that money for anti-national activities. Those who are doing good work will face no obstacle or difficulty because of this Bill. The FCRA provisions will continue to remain in place, and those who provide proper accounts will continue to get licences," said Fadnavis.
He also said those with concerns about the legislation could raise their points in Parliament.
"I believe that if anyone has anything to say on this issue, they can raise it in Parliament. This is not an issue concerning any one particular community. FCRA is not meant only for Christian organisations. It is applicable to all organisations, irrespective of which community they belong to. Any organisation receiving foreign donations is required to comply with FCRA," added the Maharashtra CM.
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 was reintroduced in the Lok Sabha during the Monsoon Session. The Bill seeks to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, with the stated objective of enhancing transparency and accountability in the regulation of foreign contributions.
(With ANI inputs)
