On 25 November 2025 in Hyderabad, Telangana, Immigration officials stopped Nigerian evangelist Chris Oyakhilome and his foreign associates from entering a Christian event at LB Stadium after the LRPF alleged that the programme was a covert evangelism and conversion drive presented as a “Christian Leaders Conference” to evade visa rules prohibiting preaching. Authorities barred their participation, while the LRPF asked FRRO Hyderabad and the Union Home Ministry to take action under the Foreigners Act, 1946.
In this report, we look at 14 documented cases from 2017 to 2025 in which foreign nationals were found engaging in religious conversion activities in India in violation of visa rules or local anti-conversion laws. The incidents span multiple states across the country and involve evangelists, missionaries, foreign NGOs and groups accused of proselytising under the guise of conferences, healing sessions or community gatherings. In each case, police or immigration authorities initiated action under relevant provisions of the Foreigners Act, anti-conversion laws or visa regulations.
#1 Nigerian Evangelist Stopped for Visa Misuse in Hyderabad – 25 November 2025 – Hyderabad, Telangana
The Immigration Department in Hyderabad prevented Nigerian evangelist Chris Oyakhilome and his associates – Ose Oyakhilome, Chiwetal Mokeme and others – from entering an event at LB Stadium after a complaint by LRPF alleged that the programme, labelled a “Christian Leaders Conference,” was intended for covert evangelism. Authorities said visa conditions prohibit foreign nationals from preaching or conducting conversion activities. Immigration officials blocked their participation, while LRPF requested the FRRO Hyderabad and Union Home Ministry to initiate punitive action under the Foreigners Act, 1946.
#2 Three Arrested in Maharashtra for Conversion Attempt Through Books and Healing Claims – 4 October 2025 – Chimbipada, Maharashtra
American citizen James Watson, along with Sainath Ganpati Sarpe and Manoj Kolha, allegedly organised a gathering outside Kolha’s home to influence villagers toward Christianity. The group reportedly distributed Christian books to adults and children, conducted prayers, and told locals their illnesses would be cured if they converted. The police complaint said the accused intentionally targeted residents using false promises to induce religious conversion. All three were arrested, with cases registered under BNS Sections 299 and 302, the Foreigners Act and the Maharashtra Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Act. Police stated that further investigation is underway.
#3 Foreign Missionary Caught Running Conversion Operation in Indore Mall – 5 June 2025 – Indore, Madhya Pradesh
In Vijaynagar, Indore, foreign missionary Stephen Vijupal and eight foreign nationals were found conducting Christian conversion activities inside Malhar Mega Mall. He allegedly attempted to convert locals Shyam Verma and Rajesh Patel by criticising Hindu beliefs, offering financial inducements of ₹10,000–₹20,000, and promising help with education and medical expenses. He also gave them “holy water” and threatened them with false cases and death for refusing. Police later recovered Bibles and conversion literature from their hotel. A case was registered against Vijupal, while the other foreign nationals were questioned and released.
#4 American Missionary Detained for Conversion Attempt on Bhil Community in Kota – 22 April 2025 – Kota, Rajasthan
American citizen Colin Mitchell and associate Joy Mathew were detained for attempting to convert around 50 members of the Bhil tribal community at Charan Chowki in Motipura. They allegedly held a prayer gathering, made derogatory remarks about Hindu deities, distributed cross lockets and served non-vegetarian food as part of their effort to influence the group. Bajrang Dal members intervened after receiving a complaint, triggering a public confrontation. Police detained the duo, registered a case against Mitchell under the Foreigners Act and initiated further action based on findings from the Joint Interrogation Cell.
#5 Canadian Missionary Deported from Assam for Proselytising on Expired Visa – 7 February 2025 – Jorhat, Assam
A Canadian citizen residing in Jorhat since 2021 was deported after authorities found he was involved in Christian proselytising despite his visa having expired. During verification for renewal, police discovered that he had been influencing locals toward conversion, which they said constituted misuse of visa privileges. The FRRO issued a “Leave India Notice,” and Jorhat Police handed him over to FRRO Kolkata. He was deported to Canada through New Delhi. Officials stated that his activities violated Indian visa rules, which forbid foreign nationals from engaging in religious propagation without a missionary visa.
#6 Taiwanese Citizen Among Several Detained Over Conversion Allegations in Mathura – 21 September 2024 – Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
A Taiwanese national, along with a house owner, his wife and around a dozen people, was detained after complaints alleged they were conducting religious conversion meetings. Police found around four dozen men and women gathered in two houses with food and religious pamphlets. Officers said no objectionable material was recovered and that evidence of conversion would determine further action. Highway Police questioned all detained individuals. Authorities emphasised that foreign nationals cannot participate in religious propagation on tourist visas, and the inquiry would proceed based on findings.
#7 Two US Citizens Fined for Engaging in Religious Activities in Assam – 1 February 2025 – Sonitpur, Assam
US nationals Jon Matthew Boone and Michael James Flinchum were fined for participating in a religious meeting at the Baptist Christian Mission Hospital while on tourist visas, which prohibit involvement in proselytising activities. Police received information about their participation and, after inquiry, confirmed that they had taken part in the event. Both were fined $500 (approximately ₹41,500) each for violating visa conditions and were permitted to leave. Authorities reiterated that missionary or religious activity requires specific visa categories under Indian law.
#8 Canadian Missionary Accused of Attempting Conversion of Minors in Odisha – 24 June 2023 – Jagatsinghpur, Odisha
Canadian citizen Eapen Mohan Kidangalil and two missionaries from Tirtol allegedly attempted to convert around 11 Hindu minors during a “Prarthana Sabha” in Katesingpur. The group transported about 40 tribal people, including minors, in a non-registered vehicle, where police said religious influence was exerted.
Canadian Citizen Eapen Mohan Kidangalil caught by Bajrangdal Jagatsingpur @bajrangdal_jsp Unit karyakartas trying to convert minor Tribal children to christianity in the name of “Prarthana Sabha” Violating his Tourist Visa
Thread……
cc : @NCPCR_ @KanoongoPriyank @ncsthq pic.twitter.com/jxnXDlC0TG— Kalinga Rights Forum (@KalingaForum) June 24, 2023
Authorities seized a Bible, tourist visa, cash and medicines suspected to be intended for drugging children. NCPCR directed the District Administration to ensure the minors’ safety. An FIR was lodged under Section 4 of the Odisha Freedom of Religion Act, 1967. The accused were released after notice under CrPC Section 41.
#9 US Evangelist Nick Vujicic Accused of Proselytisation in Hyderabad – 30 January 2023 – Hyderabad, Telangana
The Legal Rights Protection Forum filed a complaint alleging that US evangelist Nick Vujicic used motivational sessions at Malla Reddy University as a cover for Christian evangelism. LRPF claimed his activities violated visa regulations, which prohibit foreign nationals from preaching or conducting religious propaganda while on non-missionary visas. Vujicic, founder of Life Without Limbs Ministries, is known for promoting born-again Christianity globally. LRPF submitted the complaint to FRRO Hyderabad seeking action for visa violations. Authorities initiated verification of the allegations.
#10 Seven German Nationals Detained for Attending Church Events in Assam – 28 October 2022 – Golaghat, Assam
Seven German nationals, Christian Reiser, Michael Erich Schaper, Merten Asmus, Cornelia Von Oneimb, Hinrich Luppen-Von Oneimb, Christa Olearius and Lisa Aimee Bloem were detained near Kaziranga for engaging in church-sponsored religious events while on tourist visas. Police said they delivered speeches and attended functions across multiple districts, violating visa rules requiring missionary visas for religious work. They were detained at a Kaziranga resort and fined $500 each. Police cited violations under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act and warned against misuse of tourist visas for conversion activity.
#11 Three Swedish Missionaries Arrested for Illegal Preaching in Assam – 27 October 2025 – Dibrugarh, Assam
Swedish nationals Hannah Mikaela Bloom, Marcus Arne Henrik Bloom and Susanna Elisabeth Hakanason were arrested in Naharkatia for conducting religious preaching at a “Peace and Healing Prayer Festival” under the banner of United Churches Fellowship and Bless Assam Mission Network. Police said the event attempted to convert locals and violated visa rules. A suo motu case under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act was registered. The trio was convicted by a local court, and the administration was instructed to deport them to Sweden.
#12 US National Accused of Visa Violations Through Missionary Work in Andhra Pradesh – 15 July 2022 – Guntur, Andhra Pradesh
US citizen Scott Alan Norling, co-founder of Bethel Bible College, was accused of conducting religious preaching and soliciting foreign funding while on a visa not permitting missionary activity. He participated in events such as the inauguration of the “Well of Life” in Hyderabad and attended multiple Christian ceremonies linked to Gospel Mission of India. LRPF alleged that Norling may be staying on a business or employment visa while violating Indian visa rules. A petition was submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs seeking action under Section 14(b) of the Foreigners Act.
#13 South Korean National Arrested for Pressuring Families for Conversion in Greater Noida – 19 December 2020 – Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh
South Korean national Mu Cu Lee and three Indian accomplices were arrested for pressuring two families for Christian conversion over six months. Police said the accused provided financial incentives, urged families to attend church and asked them to remove religious idols. Lee had previously converted three individuals. On the day of the incident, the group gathered at a home and chanted religious verses, leading to confrontation with locals. Police registered a case under IPC Section 295-A and the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Ordinance, 2020. All suspects were sent to judicial custody.
#14 Foreign Nationals Detained for Secret Conversion Effort in Saharanpur – 6 September 2017 – Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Seven foreign nationals from South Korea and Malaysia were detained in Saharanpur after intelligence agencies uncovered a covert Christian conversion campaign. The group, visiting on tourist visas, allegedly held late-night gatherings and attempted to persuade non-Christian families to convert. The operation came to light after a complaint by Father John Wesley of a local church. Police detained the seven individuals from a house near Shanidev Mandir in Naveen Nagar. Officers stated that their activities violated visa norms prohibiting religious propagation on tourist visas.
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