MUMBAI, India – An American national and his aide were arrested in Pimpri city in India’s state of Maharashtra for allegedly trying to convert a man to Christianity by promising financial help, police said on Monday.
,Pimpri Chinchwad Police also apprehended a minor for his alleged role in the incident and later handed him over to his parents, according to PTI.
The accused persons are identified as Schaefer Javin Jacob, a resident of California, currently staying near Mukai Chowk in Pune, and Steven Vijay Kadam, a resident of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation area.
The complainant, Sunny Bansilal Danani, claimed that Jacob and Kadam tried to convert him by visiting his residence on July 27, police said, according to PTI.
“They claimed that converting to Christianity would bring Danani peace, prosperity, and mental well-being. They allegedly told the complainant that Jesus Christ is the only God and that other deities and religions are fictitious,” said a police officer, the news agency reported on Monday.
The duo purportedly promised financial assistance to the complainant if he changed his faith, police stated.
According to Hindustan Times, police inspector Vijayanand Patil, who is leading the investigation, said the two adult accused were arrested while the minor was handed over to his mother.
“We have seized two mobile phones, and the electronic evidence is currently under examination,” he said.
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