An FIR has been filed based on a complaint by a local resident who alleged derogatory remarks were made about Hindu beliefs at the church and attendees were pressured to convert
NEW DELHI — Based on an illegal religious conversion complaint filed by members of a rabid Hindutva group, Bajrang Dal, a pastor and his son were arrested in Uttar Pradesh’s Fatehpur district on Sunday.
Pastor David Gladion and his son Abhishek Gladion were taken into custody after the Hindutva group alleged that during a prayer meeting at a church the duo lured some Hindu women to convert with promises of money, jobs, and free education for their children.
The Hindutva group staged a rowdy sit-in at the church calling for immediate action against the church officials. According to police, tensions briefly escalated when protesters surrounded the police vehicle after the duo were taken into custody. The situation was brought under control after Circle Officer Veer Singh reached the spot with a heavy police presence, media reports reaching here said on Monday.
The police registered a case under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act against the pastor, his son, and seven unidentified persons. The FIR was filed based on a complaint by a local resident, Dev Prakash Paswan, who alleged that he and others were invited to the church for prayers, where derogatory remarks were made about Hindu beliefs and attendees were pressured to convert.
Paswan claimed that offers of ₹1,100, employment and free education for children were made, and that those who objected were allegedly offered money to remain silent.
Circle Officer Veer Singh said the police are verifying the purpose of the women’s presence at the church and examining the allegations. “The investigation is underway, and further action will be taken based on the evidence,” he said.
The police are investigating the allegations and have seized a publicity vehicle used to invite villagers to prayer meetings. The investigation is ongoing, and further action will be taken based on the evidence.
The arrests come amid growing concern raised by Christian groups over what they describe as a pattern of harassment and violence linked to allegations of forced conversions. The United Christians Forum (UCF), in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week, said it recorded hundreds of incidents targeting Christians across the country in 2024 and 2025, with Uttar Pradesh accounting for the highest number of such cases.
