'Jesus Christ Is Only God': Maharashtra Police Arrest American National, Local Man For Alleged Conversion Attempts

The Pimpri Chinchwad police arrested an American national and an Indian man in Maharashtra for allegedly attempting to convert people to Christianity by offering financial incentives, reported The Indian Express.

Officers also detained a minor but later handed him over to his mother.

Police identified the foreign national as Schaefer Javin Jacob, 41, a California resident living in Ravet, Pimpri Chinchwad. They also arrested Steven Vijay Kadam, 46, a resident of Raisoni Society, Pimpri.

The case originated after Sunny Dhanani, 27, a local from the Sindhi community, filed a complaint at the Pimpri Police Station on Sunday night (27 July).

According to the FIR, the accused visited Dhanani’s residence around 11:30 am Sunday and allegedly claimed he would receive “happiness, peace, wealth, and good mental health” if he embraced Christianity. They also reportedly said, Jesus Christ is the only God, while other Gods are just stories, and allegedly offered him financial assistance to convert.

Police charged the accused under Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for outraging religious feelings and under Sections 3(5) of BNS. Jacob also faces charges under Sections 14(b) and (c) of the Foreigners Act.

Senior Inspector Ashok Kadlag said Jacob had visited India seven times since 2016 on tourist and business visas but showed no evidence of business activity. He arrived this time on 5 July, citing involvement in a textile business.

Police presented both men in court on Monday (28 July), where they were remanded to two days' police custody. Police Inspector Vijayanand Patil, the case's investigation officer, stated, "The court has remanded the two accused to police custody for two days. Further probe is on.”

Also Read: Catholic Nuns Arrested In Chhattisgarh Over Conversion And Human Trafficking Allegations; Spotted By Bajrang Dal Activists