The Sangli Rural Police cancelled permission for the “Maharashtra Prayer Festival–2026,” a Christian missionary event organised at Kavalapur near Miraj, citing violations of conditions and allegations of misleading claims related to miraculous healings.
The programme, scheduled from March 13 to 15, was organised by the religious group Jesus Calls. The listed speakers included Paul Dhinakaran and Samuel Dhinakaran, along with other associates.
🚨 ‘Miracle Healing’ Event Stopped in Sangli
Police halted a Christian “Prayer Festival” of Paul Dinakaran in Sangli after allegations that the event involved claims of curing incurable diseases to influence or convert Hindus.
Devout Hindu groups alleged that such gatherings… pic.twitter.com/6J5DrU0J6B
— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) March 14, 2026
As reported in Sanatan Prabhat, according to police sources, the organisers allegedly promoted claims that serious and incurable illnesses could be cured through prayer. Authorities stated that such representations violated conditions imposed for the event.
Investigators noted that individuals were invited to share testimonies on stage. One participant reportedly claimed recovery from stage-four cancer after prayer, while another individual identified as Suji stated that a blood-related illness had been cured and that she achieved significant academic success following prayer intervention.
Police stated that these claims were presented in a manner that could mislead attendees into believing that medical conditions could be treated without professional healthcare.
The event also drew strong objections from local Hindu organisations, including Sakal Hindu Samaj, which alleged that the programme was aimed at religious conversion through inducement and unverified miracle claims.
Following both the reported violations and public opposition, Sangli Rural Police ordered the cancellation of the event. Police Inspector B. A. Talekar confirmed the action in an official communication.
FIR Registered Under Anti-Superstition Law
A case was registered against multiple individuals, including Dr. Dilip Bhore, Dr. Raosaheb Waghmare, Suji, and the event speakers. The charges relate to allegedly spreading misleading claims about curing serious illnesses through prayer alone.
The FIR was filed under provisions of the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013, which criminalises exploitative practices and false claims of supernatural cures.
Subsequently, the Bombay High Court intervened after a petition challenged the police action. A bench comprising Madhav Jamdar and Pravin Patil held that the late-night cancellation of the event was procedurally improper and lacked sufficient evidence of law-and-order concerns or inflammatory content.
The court set aside the cancellation order, subject to conditions. The organisers were directed to comply strictly with the provisions of the anti-superstition law and submit a formal undertaking. Additionally, the State was instructed to appoint a vigilance officer to monitor the remaining sessions of the event.
The Maharashtra Anti-Superstition Act, enacted in 2013 following the assassination of activist Narendra Dabholkar, aims to prevent exploitative practices involving claims of supernatural powers or miracle cures.
Officials indicated that similar regulatory frameworks are under consideration in other States, including Tamil Nadu, amid increasing scrutiny of events involving faith-based healing claims.
Authorities stated that enforcement actions will continue where organisers are found to violate legal provisions or mislead the public.
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