A man has been accused of attempting to convert people to another religion by allegedly luring them with promises of better education and employment opportunities for their children, as well as financial assistance, in Maharashtra's Jalgaon district. A case has been registered against him under the state's recently enacted anti-conversion law.According to the complaint, the accused tried to persuade people to change their religion by promising better educational opportunities and jobs for their children.
He also allegedly assured them that their financial difficulties would be addressed, offering monetary assistance as an inducement.The case marks the first registration under Maharashtra's Freedom of Religion law in Jalgaon district.The allegations have triggered protests by members of the Sakal Hindu Samaj organisation. Representatives of the organisation submitted a memorandum to police officials, demanding strict action against the accused.
The organisation also warned of a major protest if the authorities failed to take appropriate action. Kunal Mahajan, an office-bearer of the Sakal Hindu Samaj, spoke about the matter.The Maharashtra Assembly passed the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026 in March.
The law provides for punishment for religious conversions allegedly carried out through coercion, fraud, inducement or marriage. Under its provisions, unlawful conversions involving inducement through marriage can attract imprisonment of up to seven years and a fine of Rs 1 lakh.
Conversions involving minors, women, persons of unsound mind and members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes can attract up to seven years in prison and a fine of Rs 5 lakh.Mass conversions can also attract imprisonment of up to seven years and a fine of Rs 5 lakh, while repeat offenders can face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of Rs 5 lakh.- Ends(With inputs from Manish Shantaram Jog)