November 21, 2025
Web desk
The Rajasthan Police have filed the first case under the newly introduced anti-conversion law, accusing two Christian pastors of conducting religious conversions through “allurement” during a three-day event in Kota. The ‘Spiritual Satsang’, held at the Beersheba Church from November 4 to 6, allegedly involved baptisms and promotional conversion activities.
An FIR was lodged late on Thursday, November 20, following complaints from local VHP and Bajrang Dal members. Pastors Chandy Varghese from New Delhi and Arun John from Kota were named in the case and issued notices. According to the FIR, the pastors allegedly made offensive remarks against the Hindu community and labelled the Rajasthan government as the “devil’s kingdom.”
Police have begun examining video footage and social media livestreams reportedly showing speeches and activities from the event. Some participants are said to have publicly announced that they were baptised and had accepted Christianity, urging others to follow suit. Statements of attendees will also be recorded as part of the investigation.
Pastor Arun John, responding to the notice, stated that no illegal activity took place and that all videos of the programme are already public. He said both pastors have been asked to reply within three days and insisted that the gathering was conducted transparently.
