Pastor Arrested Under Uttar Pradesh Anti-Conversion Law, Christians Appeal for Prayers

Maharajganj, July 8, 2026: The arrest of a pastor and two women under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act has sparked concern among Christian communities, with Church groups calling for prayers and expressing apprehension over what they describe as the increasing targeting of Christian prayer gatherings.

Pastor Saroj Kumar, his wife Saroj Devi and Priyanka, a resident of neighbouring Kushinagar district, were arrested in Maharajganj district after police registered a case under Sections 3 and 5(1) of the state's anti-conversion law. The three were produced before a local court following their arrest.

According to local Christian sources, Pastor Saroj and his family were taken into custody before a Sunday worship service scheduled on July 5 at Pipardeurwa village. Members of the local Christian community said the prayer meeting could not take place following the arrests and have appealed to believers across the country to pray for the family.

Church members described Pastor Saroj as a humble minister who supports his family by driving an auto-rickshaw while serving a small Christian congregation. They said the family lives in a modest makeshift dwelling constructed with tin sheets and cloth partitions, reflecting their limited financial means.

Police said the arrests followed an inquiry into allegations of unlawful religious conversion activities in the village. Officials stated that an FIR was registered after a complaint was received and an investigation was conducted.

According to the police, officers recovered three religious books, eight copies of the Bible, 145 pamphlets and approximately ₹10,000 in cash during the search. The materials have been seized as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities have not disclosed further details regarding the specific allegations, and the investigation remains in progress.

The incident has renewed concerns among Christian organisations over the implementation of anti-conversion laws in several states. While supporters of the legislation maintain that it is intended to prevent conversions through force, fraud or inducement, Christian bodies and human rights advocates have repeatedly argued that such laws are at times invoked against pastors and prayer meetings without sufficient evidence.

As the legal process unfolds, Christian leaders have urged the faithful to pray for Pastor Saroj Kumar, his family and all those affected by religious tensions. They have also called for justice, peace and the protection of the constitutional right to freedom of religion, while emphasising that the allegations against the accused remain subject to judicial determination.

Courtesy Metro Vaartha