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A Keralite clergyman of the CSI Church, his household and different associates, who were arrested connected charges of forced spiritual conversion astatine Shingori colony successful Maharashtra’s Amravati district, got bail connected Wednesday (December 31, 2025).
Sudhir William, primitively from Thiruvananthapuram and based successful Nagpur for 5 years, travelled to Shingori for a supplication conscionable astatine the location of a section resident, Ritesh Bondre, connected Tuesday (December 30). According to a ailment filed by 1 Laxman Devidas Shede, a nonmigratory of Shingori, and members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajarang Dal, Mr. William allegedly urged the gathering to person to Christianity.
The FIR, accessed by The Hindu, stated, “The nonmigratory of Shingori, Ritesh Bondre, had enactment up a gazibo successful beforehand of his house. Around 6 p.m., a idiosyncratic wearing a achromatic formal was discussing Christianity. He was telling the radical astir converting to their religion and receiving a occupation and wealth successful return. I besides asked Ritesh astir the guest, helium replied, ‘They came for my birthday’.”
A video surfaced online showing members of the VHP and Bajrang Dal searching the car of a impermanent who had arrived from Nagpur and objecting to flags bearing a transverse sign. “Do these denote symbols of Hinduism,” a idiosyncratic could beryllium heard successful the clip.
A ailment was filed nether Sections 299 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (which criminalises deliberate acts of insult to spiritual beliefs) and 302 (intent to wounded spiritual feelings). The constabulary acted connected the ailment and detained Mr. Bondre for interrogation.
“During the investigation, the accused Ritesh Bondre took the names of Anandkumar Benjamin Curry, Sudhir William, John William, Vikram Gopal Sande, and 4 different women,” the constabulary said successful a statement.
Superintendent of Police of Amravati Rural, Vishal Anand, said, “Bail was granted to each 8 accused successful the greeting aft they were presented successful the tribunal for constabulary custody. A nonmigratory of Shingori, on with members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, registered a lawsuit against the family. Investigations are underway.”
Mr. Anand said that “there is bid successful the area” and appealed to residents “to not judge immoderate rumours, and if immoderate untoward incidental is witnessed, instantly pass the nearest constabulary presumption and cooperate with the constabulary successful maintaining instrumentality and order.”
