Pastors Charged for hurting religious feelings and fake conversions

On charges of “hurting religious feelings” and fake conversions–two pastors in the state were indicted and arrested by the police, last week.

Hindu extremists and police, who barged in the worship hall, disrupted the worship service and shouted anti–Christian slogans.

According to Arun Pannalal, the general secretary of the Chattisgarh Christian Forum, the extremists from the Dharam Sena entered the church and disrupted the service, which was held following the baptism of five new converts–by Pastor Charles Patel.

The extremists, who were consorted by police, falsely accused the pastors for converting 52 people in Durg district, Chattisgarh.

Police, to legitimate the accusation, interrogated the church members in Nevai police station and was welcomed with surprise, knowing "they had willingly decided to follow Jesus as their savior and embraced Christianity with full conviction."

Pannalal said, two unknown strangers complained to the police stating, co–pastors Samson Patel (brother of Charles) and Neeraj Martin offered money for converting to Christianity.

"We have never seen those two men before, they are unknown to anyone," said Pannalal, quoted Compass.

The co–pastors have been charged for injuring religious sentiments and violating provisions of the state anti–conversion law.