Pune police have registered two cases under the newly enacted Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, making them the first such cases in the city since the legislation came into force, officials said on Monday.
The cases were registered at Phursungi police station on August 5 and Khadak police station on August 9. Both cases also invoke other laws, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in the first case and provisions of the law governing foreigners and immigration in the second.
“Two offences have been registered in Pune city under the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act,” said deputy commissioner of police (Special Branch) Prashant Amrutkar.
The first case was registered at Phursungi police station on a complaint by a man from Ludhiana regarding his missing daughter. According to the police, the girl was subsequently traced, following which allegations were made that an attempt had been made to convert her religion and subject her to sexual abuse.
“In this connection, a case has been registered at Phursungi police station under the POCSO Act and the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act. Investigation is underway,” Amrutkar said.
{{/usCountry}}“In this connection, a case has been registered at Phursungi police station under the POCSO Act and the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act. Investigation is underway,” Amrutkar said.
{{/usCountry}}The second case was registered at Khadak police station in connection with a religious programme in Guruwar Peth. Police said the case was also registered under provisions of the Foreigners and Immigration Act as well as the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act.
According to Amrutkar, the complaint alleges that a British national was involved in missionary activities and propagated Christianity while allegedly claiming that people could be cured of illnesses and other problems through miracles in the name of God Jesus.
“A complaint was filed in this regard and the offence has been registered,” he said.
The Khadak case is among the first reported in Pune under the state’s new religious freedom legislation and follows allegations that religious discourse at the programme was used to encourage people to embrace Christianity.
Police said further investigation into both cases is underway.
Earlier, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday emphasised that transparent and law-abiding organisations have nothing to fear from the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Bill.
He said that the primary objective behind tightening FCRA norms is to plug loopholes exploited by certain entities to bring foreign money into the country for subversive or unlawful activities.
“The reason for bringing the FCRA Bill is that some organisations have been continuously bringing funds into the country through FCRA and using that money for anti-national activities. Those who are doing good work will face no obstacle or difficulty because of this Bill. The FCRA provisions will continue to remain in place, and those who provide proper accounts will continue to get licences,” he said.
The CM welcomed the legislation to raise and debate their points on the floor of Parliament.
“I believe that if anyone has anything to say on this issue, they can raise it in Parliament. This is not an issue concerning any one particular community. FCRA is not meant only for Christian organisations. It is applicable to all organisations, irrespective of which community they belong to. Any organisation receiving foreign donations is required to comply with FCRA,” he added.
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 was reintroduced in the Lok Sabha during the Monsoon Session. The Bill seeks to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, with the stated objective of enhancing transparency and accountability in the regulation of foreign contributions.
(With agency inputs)