13 Indian Christians arrested and detained at worship convention

Thirteen Christians have already been held for two months, accused of trying to forcibly convert tribal people in Rajasthan, India.

Thousands of believers in the UK and Ireland are flocking to Christian festivals this summer. They’re joyful places of worship, teaching, prayer and community. And they’re unlikely to end in arrest.

The same can’t be said for believers in Rajasthan State, in the north west of India. Around 200 believers gathered at a three-day Christian convention in Udaipur, Rajasthan. On the final day, 5 June 2026, they were disrupted by Hindutva [Hindu nationalist] extremist groups. These groups circulated videos of their disruption on social media and accused the organisers of trying to forcibly convert tribal people to Christianity.

Local tribal Christians have traditionally organised such conventions every two or three years as opportunities for worship, fellowship, and gospel preaching – but they are not trying to coerce anybody into converting.

Arrested and detained

Rather than protect the Christians from the group who were persecuting them, the police registered a case against two pastors and 11 other believers. They were accused of allurement [offering money or other benefits if someone converts], insulting Hindu beliefs and unlawfully converting tribal people to Christianity. They remain in detention today.

According to local sources, political pressure influenced the authorities to arrest and detain the 13 Christians. Their families – most of whom come from poor and marginalised communities – were also questioned and intimidated by the police.

“It’s been almost two months since the 13 believers were imprisoned, and the case is still ongoing,” confirms Open Doors local partner Suraj Thakur*.

Strict anti-conversion laws

Last autumn, Rajasthan became one of a growing number of Indian states to enact anti-conversion laws. These purport to protect people from forced conversion but, in practice, are abused to persecute and oppress Christians. Under the strict terms of the Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill 2025, even a voluntary conversion must be approved by the local authorities. Possible punishments under the anti-conversion law include life imprisonment. These laws are seen as intending to intimidate minority religious groups – and, sadly, they are being effective. Attacks against Christians have risen since the law was implemented in the state.

“Following the implementation of the anti-conversion law and the arrest of these Christians, the Christian community has become fearful of gathering, whether publicly or privately,” says Suraj Thakur. “Many house churches have stopped meeting. Christian activities are under surveillance, and even Christian centres hesitate to rent their premises for Christian activities.”

He adds: “Local political representatives of Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP), along with Hindutva extremist groups, actively oppose Christians by delivering hate speeches against tribal Christians, thus creating disputes among villagers. Christians are often accused of receiving foreign funds and converting others to Christianity through allurement.”

Open Doors local partners are conducting persecution survival seminars to help prepare Christians in Rajasthan to stand strong through intimidation and persecution. In the face of continuous monitoring and strict surveillance, these local partners are ministering to the persecuted believers through presence ministry and practical aid. Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Rajasthan.

*Name changed for security reasons