Twenty-two Christian women investigated for alleged forced conversion in Maharashtra

Police in Maharashtra, India, have initiated an investigation into 22 Christian women accused of attempting to convert an 18-year-old student. The incident occurred in Palghar district on August 25, just days before the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, officially took effect on August 28. Authorities allege that the women offered religious texts and made disparaging remarks regarding Hindu deities, claims that have been denied by the accused.

While no arrests have been made, police have named two women as primary suspects under penal code provisions related to hurting religious sentiments. The case has drawn criticism from Christian leaders, including Bishop Emeritus Mar Thomas Elavanal, who expressed concern over the timing of the charges. Advocacy groups like the Catholic Secular Forum have questioned the necessity of the new anti-conversion legislation, arguing that existing laws were already sufficient to address forced conversions.

This development occurs amid a broader trend of states adopting similar restrictions on religious conversion. Christian organizations have challenged the constitutionality of these laws in the Supreme Court, citing concerns that they facilitate the harassment of religious minorities. In response to the heightened scrutiny, some churches in the region have begun implementing new administrative protocols for their congregations.