Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF) raised serious concerns regarding the conduct of Satish Kumar IPS, the Superintendent of Police in Andhra Pradesh’s Kakinada District. The allegations stem from his endorsement of religious and political speeches delivered by foreign nationals, raising questions about potential violations of Bharatiya Visa provisions.

The issue revolves around an event titled ‘Global Crusade with Kumuyi,’ which occurred at McLaurin High School Grounds in Kakinada City on September 17, 18, and 19, 2023. Notably, foreign nationals from Nigeria, Mr. & Mrs William Kumuyi, an International Christian pastor, were present as chief guests. LRPF’s complaint highlighted that in the event, Dwarampudi Chandrasekhar Reddy predicted that Jagan Mohan Reddy, a Christian, would again become the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.

The complaint further notes that formal complaints highlighting the potential visa violations by foreign nationals during politico-religious events were lodged with IPS Kumar. The complaint was lodged on 16 November 2023 by Sri Cheduluri Gavariah, representing the Hindu Dharma Raksha Samiti, Kakinada. The complaints, directed to Satish Kumar IPS, sought intervention to prevent such violations. However, these complaints were overlooked, prompting heightened concerns.

The speech delivered by Nigerian Pastor William Kumuyi during the event has come under scrutiny for its overtly religious and political nature. LRPF has stated that his expressed intentions to pray for the upcoming General Elections were aimed at politically influencing the masses of Andhra Pradesh.

These actions contravened Bharat’s Visa provisions, which expressly prohibit foreigners from participating in religious and political activities and delivering religious speeches, regardless of their visa type. Section 14(b) of the Foreigners Act of 1946 outlines penalties for infringements, including imprisonment and fines.

Furthermore, it has come to light that Pastor William Kumuyi has faced international controversy, particularly in connection with alleged sexual abuse cases at Deeper Life High School in Nigeria, where he serves as the General Overseer of the Deeper Christian Life Ministries.

Given the gravity of the situation, Kumar’s intentional inaction is not merely a religious matter but also one that potentially compromises national integrity, security, and sovereignty. In response to these concerns, LRPF has called for a thorough investigation and appropriate action against the organizers of the event, participants, and IPS officer S. Satish Kumar for permitting such an event and refusing to act despite receiving a complaint from Sri Cheduluri Gavariah.

LRPF has sought disciplinary action against Kumar by writing to the Home Secretary, the IPS Cadre Controlling Authority’s Joint Secretary, Department of Personnel & Training’s Secretary. The legal rights body has also marked a copy to Home Minister Amit Shah and Ministry of Personnel MoS Jitendra Singh.