Pune: Pune Police have registered two separate cases under Maharashtra’s newly enacted Freedom of Religion Act, including one against a UK-based Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder accused of allegedly attempting to influence people to embrace Christianity through religious gatherings.
The cases are the first two registered in Pune since the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act came into force on August 1, police officials said.
Two Cases Registered In Pune
According to Prashant Amrutkar, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Branch), the two cases were registered at different police stations in the city.
The first FIR was registered at Phursungi police station on August 5, while the second was filed at Khadak police station on August 9.
In the first case, police booked a 22-year-old man following a complaint concerning his missing wife, who is a minor. Police said that after tracing the girl, allegations emerged that there had been an attempt to change her religion and that she had allegedly faced other forms of abuse.
The case has been registered under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act as well as the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act. Police said the investigation is ongoing.
UK-Based OCI Holder Booked In Second Case
The second case involves a UK-based OCI cardholder who allegedly attempted to induce people to convert to Christianity by using religious gatherings, according to police.
An official from Khadak police station said the accused is a resident of Manchester and has been booked under relevant provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, along with the newly enacted Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act.
Police said the case concerns alleged religious activities carried out without the required permission.
Police Explain Rules For OCI Cardholders
The police official said OCI cardholders are permitted to attend prayer meetings and participate in religious functions.
However, according to the official, they cannot independently preach, conduct kirtans or deliver religious discourses without obtaining the necessary permission from the authorities.
The two cases come days after Maharashtra’s new legislation came into effect, bringing alleged forced or improper religious conversion activities under a new legal framework.
Police investigations into both cases are currently underway, and further action will depend on the findings of the respective probes.
