Chennai’s Chrompet area witnessed heightened tension on Friday as Tambaram Corporation officials, accompanied by heavy police deployment, moved in to demolish a church building after the Madras High Court ordered its removal for being constructed without proper approval.

The structure in question belongs to the India Evangelical Church, located on Hasthinapuram Rajendra Prasad Road in Annanagar, Chrompet. The congregation, nearly 60 years old, has been at the centre of a legal battle after a private individual filed a petition alleging that the church building was constructed without mandatory permissions.

In 2023, the Madras High Court directed that the church be demolished. The administration challenged this before the Supreme Court, but the appeal was dismissed, leaving the High Court’s demolition order intact.

Since the building remained standing, a contempt petition was later filed. Hearing the matter urgently, the High Court’s writ division bench ordered that the church must be completely demolished by 5 December 2025, warning that if the directive was not carried out, the CMDA Secretary and the Tambaram Corporation Commissioner would be required to appear in person on 8 December 2025.

Following the order, corporation officials arrived on site Friday morning with machinery and a police contingent of more than 100 personnel.

However, demolition efforts have been stalled due to protests. Church staff and local residents have been sitting inside the building since Thursday, conducting continuous prayers and objecting to the removal. Traders in the locality shut their shops and joined the demonstrations, while various political party workers also gathered at the church entrance to voice opposition.

With large groups assembled both inside and outside the premises, the area remains under high security, and officials are preparing to carry out the demolition once the situation is brought under control.

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In a case that exposes a deeply troubling pattern of institutional failure, church leaders within the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church (OALC) are accused of knowingly concealing the crimes of a serial child sex abuser for approximately two decades, allowing him to continue preying on victims across two states.

Clint Massie, a member of the OALC community, sexually abused children over a period of about 20 years. A recent report from 20 November 2025, reveals that church leaders, including prominent figure Daryl Bruckelmyer, were aware of Massie’s actions but deliberately chose not to report him to law enforcement.

Instead of involving the police, the leaders orchestrated so-called “forgiveness sessions.” In these meetings, victims were pressured to forgive Massie and were given a devastating ultimatum: they were told that if they spoke of the abuse again, the sin would become their own. This manipulative tactic effectively silenced the victims and created a protective shield for the abuser, enabling Massie to continue his cycle of abuse unchecked.

This case is not an isolated incident. It is part of a broader, global pattern of religious institutions prioritizing their reputation over the safety of children. In this report, we take a look at 13 separate incidents of child sexual abuse from 2016 to 2025 involving pastors, leaders, and members of various churches. In each case, the crimes were not only concealed internally but were also never reported to authorities, in direct violation of mandatory reporting laws designed to protect the most vulnerable.

#1 Church Shielded Abuser, Silenced Victims – November 2025 – Minnesota, USA

Church leaders in Duluth, Minnesota, concealed a serial child sex abuser for two decades. Clint Massie abused children within the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church (OALC). Preacher Daryl Bruckelmyer and other leaders knew but never reported him to police. Instead, they held “forgiveness sessions,” pressuring victims to forgive Massie. They were told speaking out again would make the sin theirs. This manipulation allowed Massie’s abuse to continue. Massie pleaded guilty in 2024 and was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison. While church officials faced no charges, prosecutors stated they should have done more to stop him, highlighting a systemic failure to protect children.

#2 Mississippi Pastor Arrested for Failing to Report Child Sex Abuse – November 2025

In Southaven, Mississippi, Pastor Jonathan Colvin was arrested on 18 November 2025, for allegedly failing to report a child sex crime. Colvin, a 38-year-old youth and family minister at the Goodman Oaks Church of Christ, is accused of violating Mississippi’s mandatory reporting laws. These laws require professionals who work with children to immediately report any known or suspected incidents of abuse to authorities. The charge stems from Colvin’s alleged knowledge of a sexual abuse incident, reported to involve minors, which he did not report to the police.

#3 NSW Church Hid Pedophile Leader – November 2025 – Maitland, Australia

Senior leaders of Maitland Evangelical Church, including Pastor Roger Burgess, were accused in parliament of concealing child sex abuse. They failed to disclose crimes by youth leader Matthew Briggs, a known pedophile. After Briggs’ death, Burgess misled the 500-member congregation, calling the matter “extreme domestic violence.” Additional allegations involved a separate cover-up of abuse against a teenage girl. When former member Phil Bear raised concerns, church leadership discredited him.

#4 Florida Pastor Charged for Silence – September 2025 – Gainesville, Florida

Pastor Mark Vega of Ignite Life Center was charged with willfully failing to report child sexual abuse. Despite receiving allegations starting in 2019, Vega managed cases internally, allowing accused youth leaders to continue working with minors. Church leaders discouraged families from involving police, proposing internal “restoration” plans instead. This failure enabled further abuse by multiple youth leaders, including Vega’s son. The case exposed how internal handling by the Florida Multicultural District of the Assemblies of God created an environment where predators could continue to operate with impunity.

#5 Arizona Pastor Arrested After Cover-Up – June 2025 – Tucson, Arizona

Tucson police arrested Pastor Isaac Noriega for failing to report repeated child sexual abuse allegations against church member Jose Mora. Noriega was informed of multiple incidents where Mora inappropri touched young boys from the congregation. Despite this knowledge and a direct admission from Mora, the pastor did not alert law enforcement. Noriega now faces two counts related to the neglect of a minor.

#6 Archbishop Resigns Over Abuse Scandal – November 2024 – United Kingdom

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby resigned after an independent investigation found he failed to report serial abuse by John Smyth. Welby learned of the physical and sexual violence in 2013 but did not notify authorities, allowing Smyth’s abuse to continue. Smyth’s crimes, spanning decades, victimized over 100 boys and young men in the UK and Africa. Welby acknowledged personal and institutional failure, stating stepping aside was in the church’s best interest.

#7 San Diego Pastor Ignored Reporting Law – June 2024 – San Diego, California

San Diego authorities charged Pastor Eric Manuel Merino of Victory Outreach Church for failing to report the sexual abuse of a teenage girl by choir leader Rafael Valentin Magana. As a mandated reporter, Merino was legally required to notify law enforcement or child services after learning of the crime. Magana was later convicted of a felony lewd act with a minor.

#8 Oklahoma Megachurch Staff Charged – November 2019 – Tulsa, Oklahoma

Five Victory Christian Center employees were charged with failing to report child abuse. The charges followed the arrest of two former employees: Chris Denman, accused of raping a girl under 14, and Israel Castillo, accused of sending explicit messages to a 15-year-old. The five staff members, including pastors’ family members, knew of the allegations but did not report them as required by law. All were booked into jail and released on bond.

#9 Indiana Pastor Knew, Didn’t Report – July 2019 – Jasper, Indiana

Pastor Howard Geck of Jasper Apostolic Church was charged for failing to report child abuse allegations against church member Dexter Hensley. Police discovered that juveniles had disclosed incidents of molestation and sexual battery to Geck two years prior, but he never notified authorities. The failure to report allowed Hensley to remain a potential threat within the community. Geck faced a Class B misdemeanor, a charge critics argue is too lenient for such a grave failure of responsibility.

#10 Alabama Pastor Ignored Girl’s Plea – September 2017 – Huntsville, Alabama

Pastor Michael Walker of Southside Baptist Church was charged with a misdemeanor for failing to report suspected child sexual abuse. The victim, a 12-year-old girl, reported being fondled by former sheriff’s investigator Roland Campos to Walker in March 2017. Despite this direct disclosure, the pastor did not notify law enforcement or child protection services. Campos was arrested months later in August. Walker was released on bond, facing a Class C misdemeanor.

#11 Vatican Officials Probed in France – March 2016 – Lyon, France

Senior officials of the Catholic Diocese of Lyon, including Archbishop Cardinal Philippe Barbarin, were investigated for failing to report clergy sexual abuse. Father Bernard Preynat was indicted for abusing young Scouts between 1986 and 1991. Prosecutors found that senior Vatican officials were aware of Preynat’s crimes but did not report them to police, violating French law. Authorities investigated them for endangering lives and non-reporting of a crime.

#12 Tulsa Megachurch Delayed Reporting Rape – September 2012 – Tulsa, Oklahoma

Leaders at Victory Christian Center faced charges for delaying the report of a 13-year-old girl’s rape. The assault occurred on church property, and the victim disclosed it three days later. However, staff, including the senior pastor’s son and daughter-in-law, waited two weeks before notifying authorities, violating mandatory reporting laws. Two janitors were arrested; one for the rape and another for making a lewd proposal.

#13 Tongan Pastor Failed to Protect Boys – December 2012 – West Valley City, Utah

Former Tongan United Methodist pastor Filimone Havili Mone was charged and removed from his position for failing to report child abuse. Mone learned that an older boy in the congregation had sexually abused several young boys but did not alert authorities. This inaction violated both state law and the United Methodist Church’s mandatory reporting policy. His removal by national church leadership demonstrated an institutional attempt to enforce accountability.

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Between January and November 2025, at least twelve major cases were reported worldwide exposing church authorities and religious leaders misusing institutional funds for personal luxury, fraud, or self-enrichment.

The incidents span the United States, India, Pakistan, China, and Rwanda, revealing a disturbing global trend of financial abuse within religious institutions. From stolen daycare donations and cryptocurrency scams to embezzlement and property misuse, these cases highlight the widening gap between moral preaching and ethical practice among certain clergy.

#1 Grace Chapel Church Daycare Director Arrested for $60,000 Theft – 5 November 2025 | Place: DeLand, Volusia, USA

Former daycare director Jennifer Olson was arrested for stealing $59,185.50 from Grace Chapel Church’s accounts. She inflated her overtime, fabricated paychecks, placed her husband on the payroll, and transferred stolen funds via 39 unauthorized Zelle transactions to her personal account. The money was used for home renovations, credit card bills, luxury shopping, and travel. An internal audit uncovered the theft, and Olson was charged with money laundering, organized fraud, and grand theft, booked into Volusia County Jail on a $55,000 bond.

#2 “Crypto Pastor” Convicted in $1.3 Million Fraud Case – 5 November 2025 | Place: Denver, Colorado, USA

Self-styled “Crypto Pastor” Eli Regalado and his wife Kaitlyn were convicted of defrauding followers through a fraudulent crypto investment scheme disguised as a divine plan. They raised over $1.3 million, claiming it was blessed by God, but spent the money on luxury cars, vacations, dental work, and home remodeling. Eli admitted to the fraud on video. A Denver grand jury indicted the couple on 40 counts of theft and securities fraud. The court ordered them to repay $3.3 million, and Eli faces up to 20 years in prison.

#3 Tallahassee Church Treasurer Arrested for $70,000 Fraud – 3 November 2025 | Place: Tallahassee, Florida, USA

Marisa Humose, treasurer of Greater Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, embezzled more than $70,000 over three years by misusing the church’s Cash App account. She transferred funds for personal use while hiding records. Marisa also defrauded her government employer, Florida Fish and Wildlife, by claiming fake work hours. She was arrested for grand theft and organized fraud, fired from her state position, and now faces prosecution for dual institutional fraud.

#4 Xi’an Church Leaders Re-Arrested for Donation Fraud – 2 November 2025 | Place: Xi’an, China

Three leaders of the underground Church of Abundance — Pastor Lian Changnian, Pastor Lian Xuliang, and Preacher Fu Juan — were re-arrested on fraud charges related to misuse of church donations. The trio had been under house surveillance after their 2022 detention and 2025 trial. Their church, known for refusing to join the state-sanctioned Three-Self Patriotic Movement, faced continued crackdowns, and the reason behind the renewed arrests remained unclear.

#5 Oklahoma Bishop Convicted of $170,000 Church Fund Misuse – 30 October 2025 | Place: Meeker, Oklahoma, USA

Bishop Michael Hall and his wife Vickie Hall were convicted of embezzling $170,000 from Living Waters Tabernacle Church. They used the money for home upgrades, cars, and retail purchases. When irregularities were exposed, Hall retaliated by locking out the new pastor. He was arrested and removed from all church duties, facing embezzlement and fraud charges.

#6 Kerala Church Operator Arrested for ₹45 Lakh Fraud – 9 October 2025 | Place: Kottayam, India

T.P. Hariprasad, operator of the Pentecostal Mission of India (PMI) centre, was arrested for deceiving a victim of ₹45 lakh and stealing gold ornaments under the pretext of charity. After fleeing across Kerala and Tamil Nadu for eight months, he was caught in Kollam. Police confirmed the entire scheme was executed using his church position as a cover.

#7 Alabama Pastor Used $400,000 in Church Funds for Luxury Purchases – 7 October 2025 | Place: Huntsville, Alabama, USA

Adrian Davis, former pastor of All Nations Worship Assembly, was found guilty of diverting $400,000 in church money to buy an Audi, a GMC Yukon, luxury jewelry, and pay personal debts. He filed a false tax return in 2021 to hide the theft. Federal prosecutors charged him with wire fraud, and Davis agreed to repay $549,199 in restitution, facing up to 20 years in prison.

#8 Nigerian Pastor and Monarch Convicted in $3.76 Million U.S. Fraud – 26 August 2025 | Place: Ohio, USA

Oba Joseph Oloyede and Pastor Edward Oluwasanmi were convicted for stealing $4.2 million in COVID-19 relief loans through fake business applications. They used the funds for real estate, vehicles, and luxury goods. The U.S. court sentenced Oloyede to 56 months in prison, ordered $4.4 million restitution, and seized his Ohio property.

#9 Indiana Church Employee Caught in Major Theft Case – 8 August 2025 | Place: Lafayette, Indiana, USA

Julia Wonnacott, an employee of Heartland Community Church, was accused of stealing thousands via PayPal transfers and forged credit applications. She used the stolen funds for vehicles, travel, and home purchases, even applying for a $170,000 loan in the church’s name. Authorities filed criminal charges after recovering multiple fake documents.

#10 Greek Orthodox Priest Admits $155,000 Theft for Gambling – 18 February 2025 | Place: Pittsburgh, USA

Father George Athanasiou stole $155,000 from All Saints Greek Orthodox Church to support his gambling addiction. He repaid the money after conviction and was sentenced to one year of home detention, five years’ probation, and 300 hours of community service. Parishioners described the betrayal as a deep moral wound.

#11 Rwandan Bishop Detained for Misusing Church Assets – 21 January 2025 | Place: Kigali, Rwanda

Rt. Rev. Samuel Mugisha Mugiraneza, Bishop of Shyira Diocese, was detained for embezzling church property. He was accused of giving business contracts to his wife, using diocesan land for personal cattle, and forming a private company to supply materials for church projects. The bishop remains under investigation for embezzlement and abuse of power.

#12 Pakistani Pastor Removed for Diverting Seminary Funds – 2 January 2025 | Place: Gujranwala, Pakistan

Rev. Majid Abel, former head of Gujranwala Theological Seminary, was found guilty of diverting foreign donations and construction funds into private accounts. He awarded contracts to his brothers, issued fake receipts, and loaned seminary money to himself. The seminary board dismissed him immediately, banned him from representing the institution, and filed a review report to Pakistani authorities.

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A report published on 24 October 2025, stated that nearly 4,400 people in Italy have suffered sex abuse by Catholic priests since 2020, according to figures released by the victims’ organization Rete l’Abuso. This situation highlights the ongoing italian church sex scandal.

This report compiles 20 documented incidents of sexual abuse committed by Catholic and Evangelical clergy in Italy between 2010 and 2025. The cases involve victims across all demographics – women, children, men, and migrants revealing a pattern of exploitation by religious figures who abused their spiritual authority, contributing to the italian church sex scandal. These incidents, drawn from court records and news reports, highlight systemic issues within Christian institutions, including the shielding of accused clergy and the failure to protect vulnerable communities.

#1 Jesuit Priest Expelled for Abuse of Women

In June 2023, Rev. Marko Ivan Rupnik, a prominent Jesuit priest and artist, was expelled from the Jesuit order following allegations from multiple adult women of sexual, spiritual, and psychological abuse spanning 30 years. The victims reported that Rupnik used his position to manipulate them. Despite a 2020 excommunication for misusing the confessional for a sexual relationship – a penalty quickly lifted, church authorities initially ignored complaints. His expulsion came only after he refused to address the allegations.

#2 Priest Accused of Pimping and Orgies

In January 2017, Father Andrea Contin, a parish priest in Padua, was suspended after allegations emerged that he pimped around 15 women and organized sexual orgies in his rectory. Police found sex toys and homemade pornography, some labeled with papal names. Contin advertised the women’s services online and planned a trip to a swingers’ resort in France. The case exposed how clerical positions were exploited for illicit activities.

#3 Franciscan Priest Rapes Nun

In January 2006, Father Francesco Bisceglia and his deputy, Antonio Gaudio, were arrested in Cosenza for forcing a nun into sexual orgies at a Franciscan monastery. The victim reported being filmed while raped by multiple men. Police collected videotapes as evidence. This case, predating the report’s timeline but included for context, illustrates the extreme vulnerability of even religious insiders to exploitation and the brutal mechanisms of silence and power abuse within monastic settings.

#4 Calabria Priest Abuses Teenage Boy

In July 2025, a parish priest in Calabria was arrested for sexually abusing a 16-year-old boy from 2015 to 2020. The priest exploited the victim’s difficult family situation, assaulting him during Church-organized activities. The arrest followed a complex police investigation, which also implicated another priest in northern Italy for similar crimes.

#5 Brescia Priest Preys on Altar Boys

In April 2025, Don Ciro Panigara, 48, was placed under house arrest for aggravated sexual violence against multiple boys aged 10–12. The abuse occurred during parish activities between 2011–2013 and again in 2024. Panigara resigned in January 2025 when complaints surfaced. His case revealed how perpetrators repeatedly target young boys in trusted roles, with legal action often lagging behind years of predatory behavior.

#6 Elderly Pastor Abuses 7-Year-Old Girl

In August 2024, an 83-year-old former Evangelical pastor was placed under house arrest in Trento on allegations of sexually abusing a seven-year-old girl in December 2022. The case came to light after a volunteer from the Catholic charity Caritas reported the incident to authorities. According to the report, the father of the victim, a family originally from Cameroon residing in a local community, had confided the details of the abuse to the volunteer. The alleged assault took place while the girl and her family were staying in a community within the Trentino region. Following the report, the Trento police moved swiftly to investigate the claims, resulting in the former pastor’s arrest.

#7 Italian Priest Arrested on Charges of Sexually Abusing Minor

Father Andrea Melis, a 60-year-old priest and former director of a Catholic school, was arrested in August 2024, on serious allegations of sexually abusing an adolescent boy over a period of more than three years. The abuse reportedly began when the victim was just 12 years old. According to investigators, Father Melis used his position to groom the boy, offering him gifts in exchange for sexual favors. The gifts included electronic cigarettes, prepaid credit cards, brand-name clothing, dinners, and video games. Father Melis held significant authority within the Catholic community, having served not only as a school director but also as the head of a federation of Catholic schools. Following the allegations, both the Archdiocese of Genoa and his religious order, the Piarist Fathers, had already suspended him from all assignments in accordance with church protocols prior to his arrest.

#8 Priest Sentenced for Abusing 13-Year-Old

In May 2024, Don Livio Graziano was sentenced to eight years for repeatedly abusing a 13-year-old boy entrusted to his care. The abuse was uncovered when the boy’s father noticed behavioral changes and found incriminating messages. Police also recovered €107,000 in the priest’s room. The Court of Cassation upheld the sentence, emphasizing the gravity of breaching pastoral trust for sexual exploitation.

#9 Catholic Priest in Sicily Sentenced to Prison for Sexual Abuse of Minor

A Catholic priest was convicted and sentenced for the sexual abuse of a minor, following a years-long pursuit for justice by the victim. Father Giuseppe Rugolo was found guilty by a court in Enna in March 2024, for crimes of sexual violence committed against Antonio Messina. The abuse occurred over a four-year period, from 2009 to 2013, while Messina was a minor and Rugolo was serving as a priest. The case came to light in 2020 when Messina, then 30 years old, took the extraordinary step of writing a direct letter to Pope Francis to report the abuse and demand justice. He subsequently filed a formal complaint with law enforcement, leading to Rugolo’s arrest in 2021 and his placement under house arrest. After legal proceedings, the court delivered its verdict, sentencing Father Rugolo to four and a half years in prison. In addition to the prison term, the court imposed significant restrictive measures: a permanent ban from teaching and a five-year prohibition from holding any public office.

#10 Vatican’s First On-Site Abuse Conviction

In a historic ruling, an Italian priest was convicted by a Vatican court for sexually abusing a fellow seminarian, marking the first-ever such conviction for a crime committed within the Vatican’s walls. Gabriele Martinelli, 31, was found guilty in January 2024, of molesting an underage student at the Saint Pius X Pre-Seminary, where both were residing in August 2010. The abuse occurred while Martinelli, then a senior student, was serving as a tutor to the younger victim. The Vatican tribunal sentenced Martinelli to two years and six months in prison. This case represents a significant moment for the Holy See’s judicial system, as it was the first time the Vatican has prosecuted and convicted someone for sexual abuse that took place on its own territory.

#11 Italian Priest Arrested After Victim Records Sexual Abuse on Phone

A parish priest was arrested in November 2019 for the sexual abuse of an 11-year-old girl, after the victim took the extraordinary step of recording the assault on her mobile phone when adult parishioners refused to believe her initial reports. Father Michele Mottola, the parish priest of Trentola Ducenta near Naples, was suspended by the Catholic Church in May 2019 following initial allegations. However, his arrest in November came only after the girl’s secretly recorded evidence was broadcast on the national current affairs program Le Iene. The recordings provided damning evidence of the abuse. In one clip, the priest is heard saying, “Do you want a kiss?” and “There is no one here. Are you afraid? Kiss me, hug me.” A second recording captured the sound of heavy breathing and the girl’s clear protests. The victim, hailed as a hero for her courage and presence of mind, had turned to recording the incidents after her initial reports to adult members of the parish were dismissed. Her actions provided the crucial evidence needed for authorities to take immediate action, leading directly to Father Mottola’s arrest.

#12 Florentine Priest Sentenced to Prison for Abuse of 10-Year-Old Girl

Don Paolo Glaentzer, a 70-year-old parish priest from the San Rufignano Church in the Florence diocese, was sentenced to over four years in prison for the abuse of a 10-year-old girl. The case came to light after the priest was discovered naked in a car with the young victim. In March 2019, the court found him guilty and imposed the prison sentence, additionally ordering him to pay €50,000 in damages to the victim. During court proceedings, Glaentzer’s defense claimed that he had believed the girl was 15 years old. The court rejected this justification in delivering the guilty verdict.

#13 Vatican Diplomat Sentenced to Prison in Child Pornography Case

In a significant ruling, a Vatican court sentenced a former diplomat to five years in prison for possessing and distributing child pornography. Carlo Alberto Capella, a 51-year-old Italian priest who served at the Vatican’s embassy in Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty to the charges. The case against Capella was built after authorities discovered more than 40 illicit photos and videos on his mobile phone. The material included depictions of sexual contact between adults and prepubescent children. Capella was taken into custody in April 2018. His conviction on 23 June 2018, represented a direct application of the Vatican’s strengthened legal framework, specifically laws introduced in 2013 to combat child sexual abuse and the circulation of child sexual abuse material.

#14 Italian Bishop’s Spokesman Arrested for Sexual Abuse of Minor

Father Giangiacomo Ruggieri, a 43-year-old Catholic priest who served as the bishop’s spokesman for the Diocese of Fano, was arrested on charges of sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl. The arrest on 4 May 2018, has sent shockwaves through the local community, where Ruggieri was well-known and actively engaged with youth, earning him the nickname “the young people’s priest.” Following the allegations, the Diocese of Fano suspended Ruggieri from all his duties. Italian police launched a formal investigation into the case, which included a raid on the priest’s home and the seizure of his computer as part of their evidence-gathering process.

#15 Italian Priest Arrested for Using ‘Holy Oil Ritual’ to Sexually Abuse Minors

Father Pio Guidolin, a Catholic priest, was taken into custody by the Carabinieri on 1 December 2017, on charges of sexually abusing boys under the age of 14 by manipulating them through a perverted religious ritual. According to a police investigation, the abuse occurred in 2014. Father Guidolin allegedly targeted vulnerable boys who were dealing with family issues. He is accused of religious manipulation, telling his victims that sexual acts were “acts of purification capable of easing their inner suffering.” To legitimize the abuse, he covered the boys in holy oil from his church. The investigation further revealed that Guidolin used threats to silence the boys and prevent them from reporting the abuse.

#16 Italian Priest “Don Mercedes” Convicted for Sexually Abusing Minors

A local court found priest Mauro Inzoli, a 67-year-old cleric widely known by the nicknames “Don Mauro” and “Don Mercedes,” guilty of sexually abusing minors. The verdict, delivered on 18 June 2017, concludes a significant case involving the abuse of children aged 12 to 16. The conviction covers eight separate counts of sexual abuse that took place between 2004 and 2008. During the legal proceedings, it was revealed that Inzoli had paid a total of $28,000 in compensation to five of his victims. The case against Inzoli, which had drawn considerable attention for the priest’s flamboyant nickname and the severity of the charges, concluded with the guilty verdict.

#17 Sicilian Priest Posing as Exorcist Arrested for Sexual Molestation

Salvatore Anello, a 59-year-old Catholic priest, was arrested on charges of sexually molesting five individuals, including a 12-year-old girl, by exploiting his claimed role as a healer and exorcist. The arrest, carried out on 21 October 2016, by the state police’s child protection unit at a Capuchin convent, followed allegations that Anello targeted vulnerable individuals seeking spiritual help. The victims, which included four adult women and the minor, were often in psychologically unstable states or suffering from serious illnesses. Anello allegedly manipulated them by claiming he could free them from demonic possession through “healing prayers,” which he then used as a pretext for sexual assault. In a swift response, the Diocese of Palermo confirmed that Anello was never authorized to perform exorcisms.

#18 Founder of Drug Rehab Centre Charged with Abuse 

In June 2010, in Amelia, Umbria, 85-year-old Pierino Gelmini, a former Catholic priest and founder of the “Comunita Incontro” drug rehabilitation network, was charged with sexually abusing 12 young people at his centre. The allegations first emerged in 2008 when nine young men came forward; three more victims reported later. Gelmini, once a prominent figure in Italy’s anti-drug movement, used his position of authority within the treatment facility to prey on vulnerable residents. An official investigation into the widespread abuse at the rehab centres he founded was underway.

#19 Prison Chaplain Arrested for Abusing Inmates 

In 2012, Father Alberto Barin, a 51-year-old Roman Catholic chaplain at Milan’s San Vittore prison, was arrested for demanding sexual favors from at least six male inmates. The victims were non-Italian prisoners jailed for minor crimes. Barin exploited his position, offering cigarettes and basic hygiene items like soap and shampoo in exchange for sex. He even demanded sexual acts as “repayment” for helping with early releases. The arrest followed an inmate’s complaint, which led to an investigation where hidden cameras placed in his office confirmed the allegations of systematic exploitation and abuse.

#20 Charity Director Preyed on Migrants for Sex (2014)

Reverend Sergio Librizzi, a Catholic priest and Director of Caritas in Trapani, Sicily, was arrested for exploiting migrants and the poor. Librizzi demanded sexual favors from vulnerable individuals seeking asylum assistance, residency visas, and charity aid from his organization. He was accused of at least 10 episodes of sexual violence since 2009. Authorities arrested him at his parish while he was preparing for Mass. Following the arrest, he was suspended from his duties. Investigators made a further discovery of 10,000 euros in cash in his church.

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The Supreme Court came under spotlight after it temporarily suspended the life sentence of Father Edwin Pigarez, a Roman Catholic priest convicted of raping a minor girl. The bench, consisting of Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran, granted bail to Pigarez while his appeals against the High Court’s conviction ruling are still pending.

In this report, we look at ten judicial verdicts from 2021 to 2025 involving individuals associated with Christian institutions in India, who were accused in cases of abuse and murder – instances where higher courts have intervened in the decisions of lower courts, resulting in acquittals, sentence reductions, bail grants, or suspension of sentences.

#1 Supreme Court Suspends Sentence of Priest in Minor Rape Case

On 17 September 2025, the Supreme Court suspended the life sentence and granted bail to Father Edwin Pigarez, a Catholic priest convicted of repeatedly raping a minor girl in Kerala between 2014 and 2015. The Kerala High Court had earlier upheld the conviction but reduced the sentence from life imprisonment to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment. The Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail pending his appeal was based on the fact that the accused had already served nearly ten years in custody, which constituted half of the reduced sentence imposed by the High Court.

#2 Pune Court Discharges Bishop in Sexual Abuse Case

On 8 August 2025, an Additional Sessions Court in Pune discharged Bishop Thomas Dabre in a high-profile sexual abuse case. The case involved the sexual abuse of a 15-year-old boy by Father Vincent Pereira in 2018. The court absolved Bishop Dabre of criminal responsibility, stating that there was no evidence he had failed to report the abuse. The judgment noted that the Bishop had, in fact, advised the victim’s family to approach the police and had reported the matter to the appropriate church authorities, leading to his discharge.

#3 Kerala High Court Acquits Pastor in POCSO Case

On 18 July 2025, the Kerala High Court acquitted Pastor Shibu, who had been convicted by a trial court for the aggravated penetrative sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl in 2014. The trial court had sentenced him to double life imprisonment. However, the High Court set aside the conviction, ruling the victim’s testimony as “highly improbable and unbelievable” due to inconsistencies with the medical evidence presented during the trial. The acquittal overturned the lower court’s verdict entirely.

#4 Allahabad High Court Stays Arrest of Teacher in Conversion Case

On 30 May 2024, the Allahabad High Court stayed the arrest of a schoolteacher, Miss Olive Rohit alias Olive Rose Caleb, accused of forcing a male student to convert to Christianity and pressuring him into a sexual relationship. An FIR was lodged under the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act and the POCSO Act. The court’s decision to grant a stay on arrest followed a school inquiry that suggested the student’s allegations might be fabricated, and it ordered a cyber cell investigation before any coercive action could be taken.

#5 Kerala High Court Reduces Sentence for Priest in Sexual Assault

On 7 February 2024, the Kerala High Court reduced the sentence of Father Edwin Figarez for the sexual assault of a minor girl. The priest was originally sentenced to double life imprisonment by a POCSO court in 2016. The High Court reduced the sentence to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment without remission, deeming it sufficient and proportional. The court also fully acquitted the priest’s brother, Silvester Figarez, who was accused of helping him hide, due to a lack of conclusive evidence.

#6 Supreme Court Grants Bail in Pune Murder Case After 11 Years

On 25 September 2023, the Supreme Court suspended the life sentence and granted bail to Dinesh alias Paul Daniel Khajekar, who was convicted for the 2011 murder of Tanmay Ashok More in Pune. The bench noted that the accused had already spent over eleven years in jail and that his appeal had been pending before the Bombay High Court for six years. The suspension of sentence was granted pending the final hearing of his long-delayed appeal.

#7 Bishop Franco Mulakkal Acquitted in Nun Rape Case

On 14 January 2022, the Kottayam Additional District and Sessions Court acquitted Bishop Franco Mulakkal of charges of repeatedly raping a 46-year-old nun between 2014 and 2016. Despite a extensive investigation involving 89 witnesses, the court found the prosecution’s evidence inconsistent and unreliable. The judgment stated that there were no credible witnesses and that the medical reports were disputed, leading to insufficient proof of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, resulting in the bishop’s acquittal.

#8 Priest and 18 Others Acquitted in 2002 Factional Murder

On 24 April 2023, a Special CBI Court in Kochi acquitted Father Varghese Thekkekakkara and eighteen others in the brutal 2002 murder of T.M. Varghese. The murder was rooted in a long-standing property dispute between two factions of the Malankara Orthodox Church. After a trial lasting nearly two decades, the court presided over by Judge Anil K. Baskar acquitted all accused due to a lack of sufficient and conclusive evidence to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

#9 Kerala HC Suspends Life Terms in Sister Abhaya Murder Case

On 23 June 2022, the Kerala High Court suspended the life sentences of Father Thomas Kottoor and nun Sister Sephy, convicted for the 1992 murder of Sister Abhaya. The division bench granted them interim bail pending their appeal, observing that the conviction by the CBI Special Court was based on insufficient and unreliable evidence. The court specifically pointed to weaknesses in crucial witness testimonies that formed the basis of the lower court’s verdict.

#10 Kerala High Court Reduces Sentence in Kottiyoor Priest Rape Case

On 1 December 2021, the Kerala High Court reduced the sentence of Father Robin Vadakkumcheril, convicted for sexually assaulting a minor girl who subsequently gave birth in 2017. The Special POCSO Court had initially sentenced him to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment. The High Court reduced the sentence to 10 years, ruling that the priest was not in a “position of trust or authority” over the victim, which led to a lesser charge and a consequently reduced sentence.

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The post When Higher Judiciary Overturned Or Reduced Sentences In Cases Involving Christian Clergy Accused of Rape And Sexual Abuse (2021–2025) appeared first on The Commune.

In Kerala, secularism often feels less like a constitutional principle and more like a travelling circus, each act choreographed to showcase that the “real threat” to harmony is somehow always the Hindu majority, even when the fight onstage has nothing to do with them. The latest hijab row at St. Rita Public School in Kochi exposed this farcical dynamic in full colour.

A Muslim student demanded her right to wear the hijab in a Christian-run institution. The school, backed by a High Court interim order and police protection, said no, the uniform applies to all. Within hours, Education Minister and CPI(M) leader V Sivankutty intervened, ordering the school to permit the hijab. It was the perfect opportunity for the Left to parade its “secular” credentials while subtly wooing Muslim votes under the guise of constitutional liberty.

But the Church wasn’t amused. The Syro-Malabar media commission blasted the minister’s interference as a gift to communal elements targeting Christian educational institutions. Even Deepika Daily, the Church’s own mouthpiece, published an editorial warning against surrendering to “religious fundamentalism” dressed up as rights discourse. By Wednesday, the same minister who had thundered about freedom of choice was suddenly pleading for calm and consensus, conveniently after realising he had stepped on ecclesiastical toes.

Strip away the speeches and what remains is this: a tug-of-war between Muslim assertion and Christian resistance, with the CPI(M) trying to score political points from both sides. The Hindu community, neither party to the dispute nor beneficiary of the outcome, will still, in the next breath, be scolded as the supposed enemy of secularism.

So, what actually unfolded in this three-ring circus?

1. Muslim groups demanded religious exceptions from a private institution’s rules.
2. The Christian management resisted firmly to preserve its institutional identity and authority.
3. The Communist government rushed in to scavenge whatever minority votes it could, only to retreat when it realized it was alienating another crucial electoral bloc.

This entire drama was a raw power play between three distinct groups, with the Hindu community merely as spectators. Yet, this is the bitter punchline of the Kerala paradox.

While it is a case of a Communist Minister going out of the way to appease his Muslim votebank, the secular media resorts to acrobatics to somehow pin the controversy on Hindutva and BJP.

For example, Deccan Herald in an article wrote that the “backing of the BJP and its coalition partners to the Christian management school could be seen as yet another attempt of the saffron party to get closer to the Christian community for electoral gains”.

After this unseemly squabble over religious expression and institutional control, a clash where secular principles were the first casualty, these very same actors will, without a hint of irony, reunite.

They will stand on a shared platform, point a collective finger at the Hindu majority, and deliver their favorite sermon on “Hindu intolerance” and “majoritarianism.” They will lecture the rest of India on communal harmony, all while their own political ecosystem thrives on precisely the kind of sectarian bargaining they publicly decry.

The final conclusion is inescapable. Kerala’s secularism is not a principle; it is a posture. It is a convenient weapon to be wielded against one community while the others engage in the very real, very messy politics of identity and power. The circus leaves town, but the clowns remain in government, already preparing for their next act.

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The post Welcome To Kerala’s Secular Circus: Where Hindutva Is Blamed In A Case Of Hijab Vs. Holy Cross appeared first on The Commune.

The Hindu Munnani has petitioned the Coimbatore District Collector, alleging that a CSI Christ Church in Keeranatham Village has been illegally constructed on government land designated for Adi Dravidars using a fraudulent land title document (patta).

In a formal complaint dated 13 October 2025, R.V. Jeevanandam, the District Secretary of the Hindu Munnani, has called for the immediate cancellation of Patta No. 673 for Survey Field No. 197 in Annur Keeranatham, claiming it is “illegally obtained” and fake.

The complaint alleges that the church building was erected without obtaining necessary building permits or permission from the District Collector for worship. A significant point of contention is the alleged encroachment onto a public road for the construction of a compound wall, a matter for which a police complaint has already been filed, temporarily halting work.

The Hindu Munnani asserts that despite continuous complaints and ongoing investigations by the Revenue Department since 2020, the illegal construction has persisted. The complaint details that work has often proceeded at night and on weekends, leading to a specific police complaint (CSR No. 148/2023) at the Kovilpalayam Police Station.

Crucially, information obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act from the Taluk Office is cited as evidence. According to the the complaint as per official records, SF No. 197 is classified as “Adidravidar Natham”.

The complainant has submitted numerous documents to the Collector, including copies of the disputed patta, RTI replies, the road scale map, and various complaint acknowledgements from police and revenue officials over the past several years.

The Hindu Munnani has urgently requested the District Collector to investigate the matter, cancel the fraudulent patta, and ensure the land is restored for the use of Adi Dravidars to prevent further complications.

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The post Hindu Munnani Files Complaint Against Alleged Illegal Church Construction On Adi Dravidar Land In Coimbatore appeared first on The Commune.

A shocking allegation has emerged from Kanyakumari district involving the reported sexual abuse of a 17-year-old boy during a Vacation Bible School (VBS) run by a Pentecostal Church. The case leads one to question the alleged political protection for certain religious groups and long-standing systemic inaction by authorities in Tamil Nadu under the DMK government.

What Happened?

According to the account, the minor attended a VBS program where he was allegedly sexually harassed overnight by a 55-year-old religious preacher named Varghese, after asking him alone to stay back while telling the others to leave. The boy reportedly returned home visibly distressed, with facial swelling and an inability to speak. For days, he avoided eating and suffered emotional trauma before revealing the incident to his parents.

The parents, initially hopeful for justice, allegedly faced resistance from local church officials and were discouraged from approaching the police. Two months later, failing to obtain any internal resolution, they sought police assistance.

He was arrested about a week ago under POCSO Act after the Thuckalay Police registered a case under the Act.

Repeat Offender

Disturbingly, this isn’t the first accusation against Varghese. Records indicate a similar complaint was filed against him in 2008 by a married woman who alleged sexual exploitation under the guise of “spiritual counselling.” However, no FIR was registered at the time, with sources claiming the matter was “settled” quietly due to political pressure.

That earlier complaint allegedly, was never formally registered as an FIR due to political influence during the then DMK government under M. Karunanidhi, a time when significant foreign funding was said to be flowing into church infrastructure in the state.

It is alleged that Varghese’s phone contains images and videos of several minors and women allegedly abused by him, yet no action has been taken against him.

Church-DMK Govt Nexus?

It is alleged that there seems to be a “pattern of impunity” for certain church-affiliated individuals in Tamil Nadu, with serious accusations that complaints involving Christian religious preachers often fail to result in FIRs, allegedly due to political and police pressure over the years; that the DMK government is “overly influenced” by church networks that are said to deliver consolidated votes during elections, and that Christian institutions exercise strong social control including through burial rights over their members, using them as leverage to suppress dissent.

It is alleged that the incident was “not an isolated assault” but part of a decades-long lack of accountability for crimes involving certain religious leaders. Contrast this instance with any incident allegedly involving Hindus. Critics argue that one can observe swift action when accusations involve Hindu preachers. It is alleged that for over 40 years, such offences have rarely led to prosecution and that victims often remain silent for fear of social consequences.

Is there a possible link between the continued political influence of church leadership in Tamil Nadu to their ability to direct block votes? Has this resulted in preferential treatment for Christian religious institutions in matters of policing and governance? Critics argue that the state government ought to take burial grounds used by churches under state control, arguing that this would remove a key source of coercive authority from religious institutions.

(With inputs from Maridhas)

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The post Kanyakumari Pastor Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Teen At Bible School, Arrested Under POCSO; Second Abuse Case Since 2008, No Police Action Yet appeared first on The Commune.

A group of Dalit Christians from Kottapalayam village near Thuraiyur held a hunger strike outside the Tiruchy Collectorate on Monday, alleging that they had been subjected to caste-based discrimination during the ongoing annual festival of the St Mary Magdalene Church, which comes under the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kumbakonam.

The protestors claimed they had been consistently excluded from participating in key aspects of the festival, which began on 14 July 2025. They stated that they were not permitted to pay subscriptions to the church and had been left out of planning committees. They further alleged that the church’s chariot procession was deliberately routed to avoid their locality, despite the presence of seven chariots in the festival.

According to them, attempts to contribute to the church through standard subscriptions had been refused, and they were instead asked to make donations, which they believed was intended to prevent them from gaining any say in church matters. The protestors accused dominant caste Christians of controlling festival decisions and maintaining discriminatory practices.

They also submitted a petition to the District Revenue Officer during the weekly grievances meeting, seeking action against the parish priest and others who, they claimed, had threatened them and used caste-based slurs during a festival planning meeting held on 6 July 2025.

A human rights lawyer who participated in the protest said the situation reflected a systemic denial of equality and called for dismantling caste-based divisions within the religious institution. The protestors demanded the formation of an inclusive parish council, equal participation in religious and festival events, and legal action against those responsible for caste-based discrimination.

Bishop Jeevanandam Amalanathan of the Diocese of Kumbakonam announced that he would not participate in the chariot procession scheduled for 22 July 2025. He cited persistent caste discrimination within the parish as the reason for his decision and reportedly expressed concern that dominant caste Christians continued to oppose equal rights for Dalit Christians. However, the church officially denied any discriminatory practices.

Sources in the revenue department stated that the petitions had been forwarded to the local authorities, and instructions had been given to conduct an inquiry into the matter.

(With inputs from The New Indian Express)

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The post ‘Dalit’ Christians Go On Hunger Strike Alleging Caste Discrimination At Century-Old Church Festival In Trichy appeared first on The Commune.

On June 22, 2025, Assam police arrested Pastor Isaac Hapat from Margherita under POCSO Act for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl repeatedly over two weeks. In this report, we take a look at cases of child sexual abuse, forced religious conversions, visa violations by foreign Christian evangelists, abuse in Christian schools, and harassment of Hindu priests.

#1 Pastor Arrested for Repeatedly Raping Minor In Assam

On 22 June 2025, Assam police arrested Pastor Isaac Hapat from Panigaon, Margherita, for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl multiple times between June 10-22. The accused reportedly brought the minor to his home under the pretext of religious activities and household help during his wife’s absence. The victim stated Hapat tied her hands, threatened her, and sexually assaulted her repeatedly. She escaped on 22 June 2025, revealing the abuse to her family. An FIR was filed under POCSO Act Section 6. Locals expressed shock, stating Hapat exploited their trust. Investigations continue as the pastor remains in custody.

#2 Pastor Arrested for Raping 10-Year-Old In Assam

On 5 November 2018, Assam police arrested 60-year-old pastor Chandra Kumar Pradhan from Karbi Anglong district for raping a 10-year-old girl on October 29. Pradhan lured the victim to a garden near his residence, assaulted her, and fled. A 35-year-old accomplice was arrested for recording and uploading the crime. The victim disclosed the assault to her parents on October 31, prompting an FIR. Pradhan, who evaded arrest by hiding in Nagaland, was finally apprehended in Kohima. He faced charges under IPC and POCSO Act for rape and aggravated sexual assault.

#3 School Principal Arrested For Molestation In Assam

On 20 August 2018, Father Philips, principal of St. Mary’s School in Nalbari, Assam, was arrested for allegedly attempting to rape a female cook on school premises. The victim reported that Philips entered her room in the morning and tried to assault her before she escaped. Local villagers surrounded the campus demanding action after being informed. Belsor Police Station registered FIR No. 188/18 under IPC Sections 354-A and 354-C (sexual harassment/voyeurism). Officer Dipul Boro confirmed the arrest. The incident occurred at Panigaon village, with police intervening to control the agitated crowd.

#4 Man Attempts Suicide Over Conversion Pressure in Assam

On 20 April 2025, Manoj Rabha from Palashbari, Assam, attempted suicide after alleging coercion to convert to Christianity. Rabha, a former BJP Yuva Morcha member, claimed his family had already converted under pressure from missionary groups led by Ratan Bora. In a Facebook Live, he accused Bora of employing 15-20 pastors with monthly salaries to propagate Christianity, allegedly funded from abroad. Rabha stated he sought help from CM Himanta Biswa Sarma but received no response. Police rescued him after his suicide attempt.

#5 Canadian Evangelist Deported from Assam for Visa Violations

On 7 February 2025, Assam Police deported Canadian citizen Brandon Joel DeWalt from Jorhat for conducting religious conversion activities on an expired tourist visa. DeWalt, in Assam since 2021, had his visa expire on 17 January 2025. Police discovered he ran evangelical meetings at Grace Church and operated a conversion-focused YouTube channel, violating visa terms. Jorhat SP Shwetank Mishra stated an adverse report was sent to FRRO Kolkata, which issued a ‘Leave India Notice’. DeWalt was handed to FRRO Kolkata and deported from New Delhi. His visa renewal application was rejected due to the violations.

#6 US Nationals Fined for Visa Violation at Assam Religious Event

On 31 January 2025, Assam police fined two US citizens – John Matthew Boone and Michael James Flinchum – $500 each for attending a Baptist Christian Association office inauguration in Tezpur on tourist visas. Sonitpur ASP Madhurima Das confirmed their participation violated visa norms prohibiting religious activities. The Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO) Kolkata was notified and may issue “Leave India” notices. The incomplete building’s inauguration was deemed a religious gathering. This follows Assam’s 2022 directive to monitor foreign nationals’ participation in conversion activities, which previously led to 27 deportations of foreign preachers in one month.

#7 5 Arrested for Alleged Forced Conversion in Assam Village

On 10 December 2024, Palasbari police detained five individuals – Jayanta Das, Nayan Das, Hiten Das, Dhiraj Das and Ashim Rabha – following clashes in Velera village, Kamrup district. Villagers reported the group had been attempting to convert Hindu residents to Christianity through inducements and threats, with Christian symbols recently appearing in the area. Tensions escalated when locals resisted the conversion efforts, leading to confrontations. Police registered an FIR and launched an investigation.

#8 Clash Erupts Over Alleged Conversion Attempt in Assam Village

On 4 December 2024, tensions flared in Valera village, Kamrup, when 22 Christians from Kamrup-Goalpara Christian Forum attended a “Na Khawa” dinner at Nitumani Das’s house. Villagers accused them of attempting conversions, citing four families had already converted. The Christian group denied proselytizing or bringing beef. Clashes occurred, with allegations of assault and lost jewelry. Palashbari police rescued the visitors and registered an FIR. Five villagers including Ashim Rabha were arrested by December 11 for alleged forced conversions.

#9 Church Leader Arrested For “Magical Healing” Under Assam’s Anti-Conversion Law

On 26 November 2024, Assam police arrested Pranjal Bhuyan, a leader from Golaghat Baptist Church, under the new Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Act. The 38-year-old was accused of attempting Hindu conversions through “magical healing” in Dergaon town. Charged under BNS Sections 316(2), 318(2), 354, 299 and Section 6(a) of the healing act, Bhuyan faces up to 3 years imprisonment. The Assam Christian Forum condemned the arrest, calling it unconstitutional. This marked Assam’s first Christian arrest under the February 2024 law banning “evil healing practices”.

#10 Mizo Gospel Singer Couple Booked for Alleged Forced Conversions in Assam

On 26 September 2024, Assam police registered an FIR against Mizo gospel singer Bethsy Lalrinsangi and her evangelist husband C. Lalhriatpuia for alleged forced religious conversions during prayer meetings at Mount Olive School, Debitola. The complaint was filed by an RSS-affiliated Hindu organization alleging child conversions. The Kokrajhar District Court denied the couple’s interim bail plea. Church officials stated they hadn’t received case documents and couldn’t identify the complainants. The couple, recognized by the Baptist Church of Mizoram, faces charges for allegedly converting children during their gospel gatherings.

#11 Hindu Man Found Hanging in Assam Amid Conversion Dispute

On 12 September 2024, 20-year-old Biki Bishal was found hanging in a Lakhimpur tea garden after visiting his Christian girlfriend’s home. His family alleged he was murdered for refusing religious conversion, citing blood traces on his face. Five arrests included two church officials and the girlfriend’s relatives. Police were investigating whether it was suicide or murder. The incident followed Bishal’s alleged September 3 elopement with the minor girl, whom her family later reclaimed. The girlfriend’s family remained silent.

#12 Amazon-Funded Missionaries Accused of Illegal Conversions in Assam

On 25 October 2022, Swedish missionaries Hannah Mikaela, Marcus Arne Henrik Bloom, and Susanna Elisabeth Hakanason were arrested in Naharkatia, Assam, for participating in Christian prayer meetings and attempting conversions while on tourist visas. Similar actions by seven German missionaries in Kaziranga followed. Two Indian preachers facilitated these events. Assam Police charged them under the Foreigners Act and deported them. Reports link Amazon’s US office, via Amazon Smile, to funding the American Baptist Mission’s front – All India Mission – which claims to have converted 25,000 people in Northeast India, mainly targeting tea tribes and vulnerable communities.

#13 Hindu Student Tortured in School for Chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’, Assam

A 10-year-old Hindu student was allegedly abused and physically tortured at Calvary English School, a Christian missionary institution in Khelmati, Assam, for chanting “Jai Shri Ram” in class on February 5. The teacher and headmaster reportedly assaulted the child. After the student informed his parents, angry locals confronted the school. Police and the district education officer intervened, warning the school not to repeat such incidents. Hindu group Kutumba Suraksha Parishad condemned the act, citing violations of child rights under Article 51(A) and demanded action against the school and changes in teachers’ religious attire.

News coming in from #Assam
Christian teacher of ‘Calvary English School’ tortured a minor Hindu boy for saying Jai Sri Ram. Students alleged that teachers always say bad things about Hindu Dharma, don't do Murti Puja, Ganga river and beef. Everything is done by Jesus and so on.+ pic.twitter.com/hlx2UyZMiu

— Hindu Voice (@HinduVoice_in) February 9, 2024

#14 Hindu Priest Harassed in Majuli for Opposing Missionary Conversions

In Majuli, Assam, a key centre of Vaishnavism, Janardan Deva Goswami, head priest of the historic Dakshinpat Ashromi, faced harassment and legal action for opposing aggressive Christian missionary conversions. On August 1, 2019, a convert named Prasanta Payeng filed a case accusing Goswami of blocking religious freedom. The dispute involved a church structure built on Debottar (temple-owned) land. Although police confirmed the encroachment, Goswami was still summoned to court and granted bail. Hindu groups say this reflects a growing pattern of targeting those defending native culture, warning that unchecked evangelism threatens Majuli’s centuries-old Vaishnavite heritage.

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The post From POCSO Arrests To Harassment: 14 Shocking Cases Of Abuse Linked To Christian Evangelism In Assam appeared first on The Commune.