A case has been registered against Christian Evangelists at the Chandan Nagar police station following allegations of forced conversions to Christianity. The incident occurred on Saturday (15 June) morning around 10:30 am in Bidi Kamgar Colony, causing significant unrest among local residents.
Prerna Dilip Bhandari, a 25-year-old resident of Shani Mandir in Bidi Kamgar Colony, filed the complaint against the evangelists. According to her statement, two Evangelists, Rina Ramdas Mansa (50) and Elisa Ramesh Alfred (70), approached her house to discuss the negative impact of excessive mobile phone use on children. They introduced themselves and handed out pamphlets about Christianity, suggesting scanning a code for more details.
Bhandari, who was home with her mother due to illness, spoke with Rina and Elisa outside her house. Despite her request for them to wait outside, the women entered uninvited, with three other Evangelists—Rebecca Anuraj Sigamani (48), Sharda Jagdish Sode, and Priya Raju Singamani (45)—waiting outside. Once inside, Rina and Elisa promoted Christianity, claiming conversion would improve their lives. They placed a Bible in Bhandari’s hands, urging her to read it instead of the Geeta and advising against ‘idol’ worship. The women reportedly pressured Bhandari and her mother to convert.
The commotion attracted neighbours, who gathered and escorted the Evangelists to the Chandan Nagar police station. A protest ensued outside the station, with residents demanding action against the accused. The complaint also mentions that the accused visited other homes in the neighbourhood, attempting to convert more residents.
Senior Inspector Sanjay Chavan confirmed a case had been registered under IPC Sections 141 (unlawful assembly), 143 (punishment for unlawful assembly), 452 (house-trespass after preparation for hurt, assault, or wrongful restraint), 295-A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings), and 298 (uttering words with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings). Police Sub-Inspector Siddhanath Khandekar is investigating the case further.
