Pastor Arrested After Complaint Over Home Prayer Meeting in Ballia

Ballia, UP, February 24, 2026 — A Christian pastor was arrested in Ballia district following a complaint related to a prayer gathering held at a private residence, according to information shared by Catholic Connect and sources familiar with the case.

Police intervened on February 22 while the pastor, Jose Thomas, was leading a worship service attended by a small group of believers at a home in the district. Officers reportedly confiscated religious materials, including Bibles and songbooks, before taking him into custody.

Authorities have registered a First Information Report (FIR) and charged the pastor under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita as well as the state’s anti-conversion law. He was subsequently remanded to Ballia District Jail pending further legal proceedings.

Sources indicated that judicial observations in previous cases have affirmed that worship in private residences is permissible, provided such gatherings do not create public disturbance.

Thomas, who hails from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, was engaged in ministry in the area at the time of the incident.

Further details regarding the case and the course of legal proceedings are awaited.

By Catholic Connect Reporter