'It is abuse of anti-conversion laws': 3 Christians arrested for converting Hindus

'Pentecostal and Evangelical Christians live in an atmosphere of fear in Madhya Pradesh.'

Rev. V. A. Anthony, of Brethren Assembly Church in Satna, his wife Prabha and one unnamed woman have been arrested in Aber, India after being accused of "forced conversions" and blaspheming against Hinduism.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - According to Christian Today, Christian persecution in India has reached terrifying heights.

The three Christians were arrested shortly after leading prayers in Aber but Sajan K. George, the president of the Global Council of Indian Christians, claims they are innocent.

Speaking to Asia News, George claimed the Christians "were detained based on false allegations of forced conversion."

Though Rev. Anthony, his wife and the mystery woman were arrested Sunday, a complaint was filed against them over two weeks ago.

Satna Police Superintendent Mithilesh Shukla reported the charges fell under three articles of the Indian Penal Code and the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act.

Villagers reported Hindu extremists tagging alongside the police who arrested the Christians - one of whom remained with police until the court denied the Christians bail and placed them in state custody.

The Christians' accusers, Rambhan Adivasis, Hemraj Varma and Prashant Gupta, claimed the Christians were not only forcing Hindus to convert under promises of secure jobs, but claimed the Christians also ripped an image of Hindu deities, which "offended their religious feelings."

Rev. Sam Samuel, who was also the victim of Hindu extremists, claimed Rev. Anthony was stopped by extreme Hindus then was beaten.

George claimed the Christians' arrest was "the second incident this month," and added: "Pentecostal and Evangelical Christians live in an atmosphere of fear in Madhya Pradesh.

"Here, the anti-conversion law is used to harass and [intimidate]. Ruled by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the state is seriously jeopardizing freedom of religion."

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