American in custody for attempting to convert villagers to Christianity
James Watson, a 58-year-old American living in Thane, was arrested by Bhiwandi police this week for allegedly attempting to convert villagers to Christianity in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra.
He's accused of misusing his business visa to organize a prayer meeting outside Manoj Govind Kolha's home, where about 35 villagers gathered.
During the meeting, Watson reportedly preached Christianity and called Hinduism superstition.
How Watson, local partners lured villagers
Watson and his local partners—Sainath Ganpati Sarpe and Kolha—allegedly promised villagers healing through prayers.
They singled out four underage girls, placed hands on their foreheads, and claimed they could cure illnesses with "divine power."
After a local complaint, police booked all three under laws against outraging religious feelings, visa misuse, and anti-black magic practices.
Authorities are now digging into Watson's earlier trips to India and how widespread their activities were.
The trio remains in custody as the investigation continues.