3 weeks ago

Pune Police Register First Cases Under Maharashtra's Anti-Conversion Law

Maharashtra, a state in India, made a new law to stop people from forcing or tricking others into changing their religion.

The law, called the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, started on August 1, 2026.

Recently, police in the city of Pune used this law for the very first time.

They registered two cases in August.

In the first case, a 22-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh was arrested.

Police said he tried to convince a missing minor girl to change her religion.

He was also charged under a special law that protects children.

The second case involves a man who lives in the United Kingdom and has special Indian status.

Police said he tried to get people to become Christian at gatherings without the needed permission.

Both cases are still being investigated.

Key facts

Law: Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026
Law in force: August 1, 2026 (notified July 31)
First case FIR: August 5, 2026, at Phursungi police station
Second case FIR: August 9, 2026, at Khadak police station
Total cases: 2
First accused: 22-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh; charged under Sections 3 and 9(2) of the Act and POCSO Act; arrested and in judicial custody
Second accused: UK-based OCI cardholder from Manchester; also booked under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025
Confirmed by: DCP (Special Branch) Prashant Amrutkar

republicworld.com · 3 weeks ago