Christian social worker arrested under anti–conversion law

The Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) expressed deep concern over the arrest of a Christian social worker, in Madhya Pradesh's Katni district on July 3.

According to the EFI report, Police arrested Mr. Vinayagam David in Shyamgarh area of the state, in response to a seemingly frivolous complaint alleging the ‘Blessing Youth Mission’ member and in–charge of children' home has been forcefully converting children and keeping them without proper documentation.

However, Mr. David denies the charges saying he has valid documents from children's parents stating they are willingly leaving their children at the home to ensure their proper education.

David was arrested under Sections 3 and 4 of the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, also known as anti–conversion law.

Shockingly the children have been transferred to a government–run children's home instead of being sent back to their parents.

Besides the arrest, the police reportedly searched the house of David, late in the night, without any sanction to do so.

The children's home running since 2006 has offered its best services to the families in the locality. The local people are happy with David's service and have no objections.

Madhya Pradesh is one of the seven states that have passed the anti–conversion law. Several pastors and Christian missionaries have been reportedly arrested on false charges under the anti–conversion laws.

Christians in the state have appealed to the govt. authorities to repeal the law and to create a minority friendly state.