On 9 December 2025, a viral post on social media platform X alleged that a pastor in Pune falsely claimed that his prayers had cured a woman of AIDS during an event presented as a Christmas celebration, allegedly aimed at converting poor and Dalit communities.
In this report, we look at 15 incidents reported between May 2025 and December 2025 across multiple States, where police action was taken following allegations that evangelical groups attempted or forced religious conversion by claiming to cure illnesses through fake healing meetings and prayer gatherings.
#1 Pastor Arrested After Claiming Prayers Cured AIDS – 9 December 2025 – Pune, Maharashtra
Posters claiming that serious illnesses can be cured through “God’s prayers” were distributed in the Yerwada area of Pune, prompting police action. The campaign was reported for promoting superstition and misleading the public. Following complaints from residents, the Yerwada police registered a case against two individuals, identified as Jagtar Singh Chauhan and Ramesh Bavare. The posters allegedly made claims that prayers could cure serious diseases and included references to monetary figures, though the exact context of those claims remains unclear.
Police said the case was registered based on the complaint and that further investigation into the matter is under way.
#2 Families Lured With Fake Healing Promises – 30 November 2025 – Agra, Uttar Pradesh
In Agra, Rajkumar Lalwani, Meenu, Anoop Kumar, Jaikumar, Arun, Tinkle, Kamal Kundlani and others allegedly held Sunday prayer meetings at their residence, claiming that illnesses could be cured through prayers. Around 80 local families were reportedly told that diseases would disappear and that their children would receive better education and employment if they converted. Police later filed a chargesheet against eight accused after concluding that the gatherings were used to pressure families into religious conversion through false healing assurances.
#3 Court Convicts Accused in Madhya Pradesh Conversion Case – 31 October 2025 – Mavdipur village, Nalchha area, MP
In Mavdipur village, Billyadeh and Nanuram were accused of pressuring villagers to abandon Hinduism and adopt Christianity by claiming that conversion would ensure good health and prevent illness. They also assured villagers that hospital treatment would be arranged if anyone fell sick. The court found both accused guilty of using fake healing promises to influence religious conversion and sentenced them to five years’ imprisonment each, along with a fine of ₹50,000 per person.
#4 Woman Pressured to Convert After Fake Healing in Raipur, CG – 4 October 2025
In Raipur, Mayaram and five others allegedly took a sick woman to their premises, performed a fake healing ritual and told her that she was recovering due to their prayers. The accused reportedly offered free treatment and used the claim of recovery to persuade her to adopt Christianity. Police registered an FIR against six individuals and took them into custody for investigation following a complaint about the incident.
#5 Fake Healing Shown to Villagers in Bhivandi, MH – 4 October 2025
James Watson, an American national, along with Sainath Ganpati Sarpe and Manoj Kolha, allegedly organised fake healing demonstrations outside Kolha’s house in Bhivandi. Villagers were told that their illnesses would disappear if they adopted Christianity. Christian literature was distributed, and prayers were performed to reinforce the claims. Police registered an FIR against the three accused and arrested them after receiving complaints from locals.
#6 Women and Children Targeted in Lucknow Village – 28 September 2025
Malkhan allegedly organised gatherings at a farmhouse in Nigohan, where he claimed to cure illnesses through miraculous prayers. Around 12 women and children from Scheduled Caste families were targeted, including a boy suffering from epilepsy. Police said money and other inducements were offered, and baptisms were conducted to pressure participants into conversion. An FIR was registered and Malkhan was arrested.
#7 ‘Changgai Sabha’ Used for Conversion in Jharkhand – 21 September 2025
Vikram Kumar Mehta, pastor Nakul Mahto and their associates allegedly conducted prayer meetings known as “changgai sabha” in a rented house. Villagers were told that attending prayers and adopting Christianity would cure illnesses and solve personal problems. Police registered an FIR after complaints were filed. Vikram Kumar Mehta and other associates were taken into custody, while the main pastor reportedly fled.
#8 Fake Healing Claims in Chhattisgarh’s Bundia Area – 3 September 2025
Mangal Toppo, identified as a pastor, along with three associates, allegedly held prayer gatherings at his house, claiming illnesses would be cured through prayers. Villagers were pressured to convert using these claims. Police registered an FIR and arrested all four accused, who were later produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody.
#9 Villagers Pressured in Kundawali and Islamnagar, UP – 26 August 2025
Anju, Hridayesh Kumar alias Vicky Pastor, Nitu and Surendra allegedly organised prayer gatherings where fake healing was demonstrated. Around 30 villagers were reportedly pressured to adopt Christianity after being promised relief from illness and other benefits. Police arrested all four accused and later submitted a chargesheet in court.
#10 ‘Changgai Sabha’ Held in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh – 17 August 2025
Pastor Sukhnandan Lahre and his brother Raghunandan Lahre allegedly conducted “changgai sabha” meetings targeting poor and sick villagers. Fake healing, monetary inducements and assistance were offered to gain trust, following which villagers were pressured into baptism. Police registered an FIR under the Religious Freedom Act and BNS Section 299 and arrested both accused.
#11 Prayer Gathering Disrupted in Vishunpura, UP – 6 July 2025
A woman organiser and three Christian associates allegedly conducted prayer meetings at a local residence, claiming to cure illnesses through prayers. When activists complained, police reached the spot. The main pastor fled, while the woman and three associates were detained for questioning.
#12 Large Gathering for Fake Healing in Raipur, Chhattisgarh – 20 June 2025
Pastor Amit Singh and three associates allegedly organised a gathering attended by over 150 people, where fake healing was demonstrated and derogatory remarks against Hindu deities were allegedly made. Police registered an FIR and temporarily detained more than 150 individuals present at the site.
#13 Woman Pressured With Cash Offer in Jabalpur, MP – 18 June 2025
Manoj Pille and three associates allegedly visited a sick woman and claimed she would recover if she converted. They reportedly offered ₹2,000 and promised better health and financial benefits. Police registered an FIR under the Religious Freedom Act after the woman lodged a complaint.
#14 Woman Exploited Through Rituals in Pilibhit, UP – 10 June 2025
A sick woman was allegedly pressured to adopt Christianity by multiple accused who claimed prayers would cure her. She was taken to Sharda River, made to perform rituals and threatened repeatedly. She later filed a complaint seeking police protection.
#15 Dalit Families Targeted in Akbarpur, UP – 17 May 2025
Umesh Kumar and associates allegedly held prayer gatherings in a room converted into a church, claiming illnesses would be cured. Dalit families were reportedly pressured to convert. Police seized religious material, registered an FIR and took attendees into custody.
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