Pune conversion case: UK-based OCI holder booked under new Maharashtra law

NEW DELHI: Pune Police on Tuesday registered an FIR against an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder from the United Kingdom for allegedly attempting to convert people to Christianity through religious gatherings.DCP Prashant Amrutkar of the Pune City Police's Special Branch said the accused, a Manchester resident, 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 police, OCI cardholders are permitted to attend prayer meetings and participate in religious functions, but cannot preach or deliver religious speeches without the required permission.Police alleged that the accused spoke about following the path of Jesus and made statements about Hindu temples and deities that they claimed could create misconceptions, news agency ANI reports.The police suspect that the statements were made with the intention of misleading people and inducing them to embrace Christianity.