India: On January 10, 2025, a disturbing incident unfolded in Parthapur village, Banswara District, Rajasthan, where five Christian pastors were arrested under allegations of forcefully converting Hindus to Christianity. The accused pastors, including Jyoti Garasiya (42 yrs), Hurmal Valwai (27 yrs), Peter Garasiya (22),  Badra Garasiya (29) and Rajesh Garasiya (49 yrs), were detained for five days before securing bail. The case has sparked concern among the local Christian community, raising fears of religious intolerance and persecution.

The Allegations:

According to police reports, a local resident, Motamali Bhil, filed a complaint alleging that a group of individuals was encouraging people to convert to Christianity by offering monetary incentives of 100 lakh rupees. He claimed that between 8 to 12 individuals had accepted the bribe and converted. The complaint further accused the Christian pastors of promising regular monthly payments to new converts and making derogatory remarks about Hindu deities, specifically Hanuman and Kalika Mata. Additionally, it alleged that the pastors distributed Bibles and Christian literature at the gathering and that threats were made against Hindus who refused to convert. Based on these allegations, authorities registered case number 13/2025 under sections 189(2), 299, 190, and 196(1)(B) of the BNS, leading to the immediate arrest of the five pastors.

I89 (2). Whoever, being aware of facts which render any assembly an unlawful assembly, intentionally joins that assembly, or continues in it, is said to be a member of an unlawful assembly and such member shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both.

190. If an offence is committed by any member of an unlawful assembly in prosecution of the common object of that assembly, or such as the members of that assembly knew to be likely to be committed in prosecution of that object, every person who, at the time of the committing of that offence, is a member of the same assembly, is guilty of that offence.

196. (1) Whoever— (b) commits any act which is prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony between

different religious, racial, language or regional groups or castes or communities, and which disturbs or is likely to disturb the public tranquillity.

299. Whoever, with deliberate and malicious intention of outraging the religious feelings of any class of citizens of India, by words, either spoken or written, or by signs or by visible representations or through electronic means or otherwise, insults or attempts to insult the religion or the religious beliefs of that class, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.

The Reality:

The arrested pastors belong to impoverished tribal communities and have dedicated their lives to serving people through their faith. The charges against them appear to be exaggerated and are possibly influenced by rising religious tensions in the region. The pastors deny the accusations, asserting that their gatherings were solely for worship and community prayers, with no element of coercion or inducement.

Tolsingh Garasia, one of the arrested Pastors’ said:

“Extremists groups Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bajrang Dal came with the police and took us to the station. We had to hire a lawyer to be released, which cost us ₹30,000—money we had to borrow. Even after our release, Bajrang Dal had us rearrested on false charges of forced conversion. We were sent to jail for five days and had to pay another ₹45,000 for bail. In total, we have spent ₹75,000 just to defend ourselves. Now, we are still fighting for acquittal, with our next hearing on the 29th. If we can pay ₹1 lakh, the case will be nullified, and we will finally be free.”

Legal Proceedings and Challenges:

The arrested pastors spent five days in jail before being released on bail. However, the legal battle is far from over, as they now face court proceedings that may take months or even years to resolve. Given their financial hardships, affording legal representation and other court-related expenses is a significant burden. Their families, already struggling with economic difficulties, are now facing additional hardships.

Call for Support and Prayers:

This incident is yet another example of the challenges faced by Christian minorities in India. It highlights the growing pressures on religious freedom, particularly in rural and tribal areas where Christians are a small minority. The pastors and their families need support in multiple ways:

Prayer Support: The Christian community must pray for the strength of these pastors and their families to endure this trial. Pray that the Holy Spirit fortifies them and that their church members remain steadfast in faith despite the persecution.

Legal Assistance: Financial support is crucial to covering legal expenses and ensuring justice is served. The next court hearing for this case is scheduled for March 29th, 2025. We have set up a dedicated fund to provide these pastors with expert legal representation as they face this challenging legal battle. Your contributions will not only help secure a solicitor to defend their rights and freedom but will also assist in repaying the costs already incurred through borrowed funds. Our goal is to raise between £1500 and £2000 to cover these expenses. To support this cause, please consider donating (here).  

Advocacy: International attention is essential to ensuring fair treatment and preventing further injustices in this case. Please raise this issue with your local parliamentarians and politicians and urge them to engage with the Indian government on this and other human rights concerns. Western nations must hold India accountable to the international laws and conventions it has committed to, using diplomatic pressure to safeguard religious freedom and justice.

The five pastors, including Tolsingh Garasia and Rajesh Garasia, remain committed to their faith despite the ongoing legal ordeal. Their story is a testament to the resilience of Christians in India who continue to practice their beliefs despite increasing hostility. As the case progresses, the global Christian community must stand in solidarity with them, advocating for religious freedom and justice.

Please keep these pastors, their families, and their congregations in your prayers. May they find the strength to overcome this difficult time and continue their mission of faith and service.