Pune, 12th August 2026: Khadak Police have registered a case against a UK-based religious preacher and organisers of a religious program in connection with allegations of promoting religious conversion.
The accused has been identified as Pankaj Jem Devanur, 50, originally from Manchester, UK. The case was registered following a complaint by Amit Raju Bhosale, 31, a resident of Ramoshi Gate in Bhavani Peth.
According to police, a series of religious programs was organised at a place of worship in Guruwar Peth as part of its anniversary celebrations. A preacher from Britain was invited to deliver sermons between August 7 and 9.
The complaint alleges that during the program, the preacher made statements about Hindu deities that could create misconceptions among listeners. He allegedly said that taking the name of Jesus could bring rain and cure illnesses.
The complainant further alleged that such statements were intended to attract people towards Christianity and encourage religious conversion.
Police have registered the case under the Foreigners Act, 2025, and the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026.
Police said the case is the first of its kind reported in Maharashtra since the new religious freedom law came into force.
Assistant Police Inspector Anita Tonde is investigating the case. The allegations are part of the complaint and will be subject to investigation by the police.
