CSI Priest Alleges Political Motive Behind Maharashtra Conversion Arrest

Mumbai: CSI priest Father Sudhir, who was among those arrested in Maharashtra on religious conversion allegations, claimed that the action was politically motivated and driven by Sangh Parivar forces. Speaking to the media along with his family near his residence on Thursday morning, the priest said he had received several death threats following the incident.

On Tuesday evening, Maharashtra Police arrested 12 people, including Father Sudhir and his wife Jasmine, at Shingodi around 8 pm on December 30 while a Christmas prayer meeting was underway at a private house. The police alleged that Father Sudhir was involved in forced religious conversions. The arrests were made based on a complaint filed by Bajrang Dal activists.

The arrests triggered protests in several places, with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and others strongly condemning the police action. On Wednesday, a court granted bail to Father Sudhir, his wife and the others arrested in the case. Bail was granted with the condition that they appear at the police station every Monday. The trial is scheduled for January 13.

Addressing the media after his release, Father Sudhir said the allegations were baseless and that the incident was the result of a pre-planned move by Bajrang Dal activists. He alleged that those who created the disturbance were residents of Loni village, located about four kilometres from the venue, and had no reason to interfere.

“They came along with the police, and that is how we escaped more serious consequences,” he said, adding that the situation could otherwise have turned violent.

Explaining the events of that evening, Father Sudhir said he and others had gone to a friend’s house to attend a birthday celebration, something they regularly do. “A small shed had been put up outside the house, and the celebration was held there. Along with cutting the birthday cake, a few Christmas songs were sung. That is quite natural during this season,” he said.

He also criticised the police for objecting to his clerical attire. “I do not know since when clerical attire has been banned in this country,” he said. He alleged that political interventions were made as though they were already proven guilty and that even basic humanitarian consideration was denied.

“When friends came to the police station to see us, they were also harassed. We have never faced such brutal treatment anywhere else, though there have been attempts at attacks and minor issues in a few places earlier,” he added.

Father Sudhir, a native of Amaravila in Thiruvananthapuram district, has been serving in Maharashtra for the past five years.