Two individuals, including a US citizen, were arrested in Pimpri for allegedly pressuring people into converting to Christianity.
The accused reportedly promised peace, wealth, and happiness in exchange for conversion, targeting the local Sindhi community.
A juvenile involved in the case was released to his mother, and phones used in the alleged activity were seized by police.
Pune, 28 July 2025: In a shocking case from Pimpri Camp near Pune, police have arrested two individuals, including an American national, for allegedly attempting to force people into religious conversion. The arrests were made after a complaint was lodged by Sunny Bansilal Danani (27), a resident of Pimpri.
According to Pimpri Police, the accused have been identified as Shepher Jevin Jacob (41), originally from California and currently residing near Mukai Chowk, and Steven Vijay Kadam (46), a resident of Raisoni Society, Ajmera, Pimpri. A minor also involved in the case has been released into his mother’s custody.
As per the FIR, Jacob and Kadam were found distributing Christian pamphlets in Pimpri and allegedly targeting members of the Sindhi community. They reportedly encouraged people to embrace Christianity, promising them mental peace, prosperity, and financial aid. The FIR mentions that they portrayed Jesus Christ as the source of true happiness while dismissing other religions and deities as imaginary.
The police have registered a case under IPC Section 299, Section 3(5) of the Juvenile Justice Act, and Sections 14(b)(c) of the Foreigners Act. Mobile phones allegedly used during the conversion attempts were seized.
Preliminary reports suggest that a few individuals may have already converted under misleading claims. Investigations are ongoing, and Pimpri Police are verifying the full extent of the alleged activities.
This incident has raised concerns within the local Sindhi community, who say they have been deliberately targeted using emotional and financial manipulation.
