In a significant development that has sparked a political controversy, a pastor from Kerala was among eight individuals apprehended by police in Maharashtra on allegations of attempting religious conversion. The incident, which occurred on 31 December 2025, has drawn sharp criticism from Kerala's Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan.
Details of the Arrest and Allegations
Authorities in Maharashtra detained the group, which included the Malayali Christian priest, his family members, and aides. The arrests were made based on complaints regarding an alleged bid to convert individuals through force or allurement, a practice prohibited by law in Maharashtra. The specific location within Maharashtra and the detailed charges are part of an ongoing police investigation.
Kerala Chief Minister's Strong Condemnation
Reacting swiftly to the news, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan issued a strong statement condemning the police action. He described the arrests as "deeply disturbing" and accused the Sangh Parivar, a collective of Hindu nationalist organizations, of following a dangerous pattern.
Vijayan alleged that such incidents are systematically used to target minority communities across the country. He criticized this as a deliberate strategy "to fuel polarisation" and create social discord, especially ahead of elections or during politically sensitive times.
Broader Implications and Political Fallout
This event has escalated into a major point of contention between the ruling political ideologies in Kerala and the central government's allies. It highlights the ongoing and sensitive debate around religious freedom, anti-conversion laws, and the alleged misuse of these laws to harass minority groups.
The case is expected to have wider political repercussions, potentially influencing discourse in both states. Human rights groups and political observers are closely watching the legal proceedings that will follow the arrests made on the last day of 2025.
As the situation develops, the focus remains on the judicial process and whether the allegations against the pastor and his associates will be substantiated with evidence in a court of law.
