During the course of the investigation, police are likely to invoke the newly enacted Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar : Police have registered a case at Virgaon under the provisions of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, booking five people for allegedly forcing a dalit teacher couple to convert to Christianity by promising permanent jobs, and later even pressuring them to convert their children.
In the police complaint, the 37-year-old teacher alleged that he and his wife joined a primary school in Borsar in June 2024 after being promised stable employment. The complainant further alleged that he was subsequently asked to pay Rs 5 lakh for permanent appointment. He told police that he paid Rs 4.8 lakh in cash on July 4 to one of the accused, and later handed over the remaining Rs 20,000 at an office in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The police have lodged the complaint under BNS sections 316(2), 318(3) and 3(5) linked to cheating and breach of trust.
But soon after, he claimed, they were told their jobs would be made permanent only if they converted to Christianity or paid a hefty sum of money. The FIR states that the accused later allegedly asked the teacher to convert his two children as well. When he refused, the money was returned and he was informed that his services would not be regularised. The teacher has alleged that he faced mental and financial harassment and was denied permanent employment after refusing to comply with the demands.