Missionary event sparks legal storm in Kota over alleged bid to convert locals

Kota police have booked two Christian missionaries for allegedly attempting to convert worshippers during a three-day religious program, marking one of the first major cases registered under the newly enacted Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act.

The FIR, lodged late Thursday night at Borkheda police station, names Pastor Arun John of Kota — the organiser of the event — and Delhi-based preacher Chandi Varghese. Police say the two delivered provocative speeches at Beersheba Church on Canal Road between November 4 and 6, allegedly urging attendees to renounce Hinduism and embrace Christianity.

According to the complaint, the accused described Rajasthan as “the devil’s kingdom” and made disparaging references to the Hindu community. Viral videos circulating on social media show Varghese purportedly declaring: “People of Rajasthan will soon be free from worshipping the devil and the reign of the devil will end; God will rule in Rajasthan.”

Station House Officer Devesh Bhardwaj confirmed that notices have been issued and further investigation is underway, with police examining seized videos and screenshots from live streams of the programme. The missionaries allegedly invited locals under the guise of a “spiritual discourse” before encouraging conversion.

The issue surfaced after members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) flagged the recordings to authorities. VHP Kota convenor Ashish Sharma claimed that some Hindu youth publicly announced from the stage that they had been baptised, prompting demands for strict legal action.

Police say statements of participants will be recorded next, and further action will depend on the findings of the inquiry.