In a major incident, an American national, identified as 58-year-old James Watson, was arrested on October 3 in Bhiwandi, Thane district, Maharashtra, for attempting to convert local Hindus to Christianity. Watson, staying in Hiranandani Estate on a business visa, was reportedly organising religious gatherings with two local associates, Ganpati Sarpe (42) and Manoj Govind Kolha (35). A complaint by resident Ravindra Bhurkut revealed that Watson made derogatory remarks about Hinduism, claiming conversion to Christianity was the path to happiness and success, and even promised healing of illnesses through prayers to Jesus. Police recovered Christian books from the site during the raid.
Watson and his associates have been booked under sections 299 and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita.
Further investigations revealed that James Watson is an active US Army officer, holding the rank of Major in the 2nd Battalion, 44th Air Defence Artillery (ADA), stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Evidence from official US Defence sources shows his military career, including training articles and video messages in uniform. Watson’s arrest for illegal religious conversion while on a business visa raises serious concerns over misuse of his visa and the nature of his activities in India.
The case highlights the growing vigilance against forced religious conversions and the need for strict action against foreigners violating India’s laws.
