In Pune, three American citizens have been issued ‘Leave India’ notices by the Pune City Police for allegedly engaging in religious preaching while on tourist visas. Authorities have directed them to leave the country on or before May 10, 2026, citing visa rule violations.
The incident came to light on April 26 when the trio was found distributing religious pamphlets near Panchmukhi Maruti Temple. The individuals, James Ritchie Hudson (65), Frantz Thomas (53), and Garry Rosemond Jean (64), were staying at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel during their visit.
A local driver filed a complaint stating that the three men handed him pamphlets in Marathi, Hindi, and English titled 'Why is the world so divided?' and told him that Jesus is the greatest and no one is greater than him. He later claimed the content promoted Christianity while criticizing other religions, which hurt his sentiments.
Following the complaint, officials from Khadak Police Station detained the trio for questioning and registered a non-cognizable offence under Section 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, related to hurting religious sentiments.
The case was later referred to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRO). On April 27, Deputy Commissioner of Police Sandeep Bhajibhakare issued formal notices stating that the individuals violated immigration rules by engaging in religious preaching while holding tourist visas.
Police officials reiterated that foreign nationals on tourist visas are strictly prohibited from participating in missionary or religious propagation activities in India. Failure to comply with the order may lead to further legal action.
