Church building demolished by authorities in Maharashtra, India

On September 7, 2026, municipal authorities in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra, demolished the Jesus Is Lord Church building. According to church representative Jean Silway, approximately 1,000 police officers arrived at the site around midnight, and the structure was razed by 3 a.m. The demolition occurred on the same day a court hearing was scheduled to consider a stay order against the action, which had been delayed due to a holiday.

Church leadership stated that the property was purchased in 2000, with a temporary structure established in 2008. Local officials reportedly justified the demolition by citing the building's location within a "blue line" flood zone. However, church members noted that neighboring structures, including a gas station, remain standing despite being in the same vicinity. Some local observers suggested the church was specifically targeted due to its ministry and reported healings, noting that other nearby properties did not receive similar demolition notices.