Special Correspondent
Pune: A case has been registered against two individuals, including a woman, for allegedly pressuring a 19-year-old married woman to convert to Christianity.
The action was taken by the Samarth police station in Pune following a complaint lodged by the victim. The accused face charges of coercion, verbal abuse, physical assault, and issuing threats to file false police complaints.
According to the complainant, her sister-in-law persistently pressured her to adopt Christianity. When the young woman refused to convert, she was subjected to verbal abuse and physical assault. Additionally, a man named Francis, identified as a religious preacher, allegedly threatened her, saying, “You didn’t drink the water I brought in a bottle. If you don’t accept the religion, a false police complaint will be filed against you.”
The complainant further alleged that the harassment was ongoing, creating significant mental and emotional distress.
Following the complaint, the Samarth police registered a case against the sister-in-law and Francis under sections 79 (outraging the modesty of a woman), 299 (hurting religious sentiments), 302 (criminal intimidation), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 131 (use of criminal force), 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), 351(2) (criminal conspiracy), and 3(5) (joint criminal liability) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The police have initiated a thorough investigation to determine if others were involved in the incident.
Sources indicate that the authorities are also examining whether this case is part of a broader pattern of coercion related to religious conversion in the area. The police are collecting evidence, including potential witness statements, to ascertain the full extent of the accused’s actions. The incident has sparked local outrage, with community members calling for stricter measures against forced religious conversions.
The complainant has been provided support, and the police have assured a fair and swift investigation. Further updates are awaited as the case progresses.
