A 58-year-old US man has been arrested along with two locals for allegedly attempting to convert villagers in Chimbipada, Thane district. The accused, James Watson, an American citizen currently residing in Thane, was arrested along with Ganpati Sarpe, 42, from Palghar, and Manoj Govind Kolha, 35, a resident of Chimbipada.

Bhiwandi taluka police said the three held a prayer gathering outside Kolha’s home on Friday evening, attended by around 35 villagers. During the meeting, Watson and his associates allegedly read from religious texts, brought in a vehicle and delivered sermons promoting Christianity.

A complaint filed by resident Ravinath Bhurkut claimed that the group told villagers Hinduism was based on superstition and that converting to Christianity would bring happiness and prosperity. They also allegedly said 
The complaint further states that Watson allegedly inquired about children who were unwell and noted down the names of four girls present at the gathering. He is accused of briefly detaining them and placing his hands on their foreheads, claiming to transfer “divine healing power.”

After the complaint, police have filed charges against Watson and his two associates under multiple sections. These include Sections 295 and 298 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for outraging religious sentiments, provisions of the Foreigners Act for allegedly misusing a visa, and Maharashtra’s 2013 law against black magic.

Senior Inspector Harshavardhan Barve stated that Watson had entered India on a business visa, which he allegedly used for religious activities, thereby violating visa rules. “The investigation is ongoing,” the officer added, confirming that authorities are questioning the accused and gathering further evidence related to the case.The incident has raised concerns in Chimbipada, Thane district, where villagers expressed shock over the alleged attempts to convert locals and carry out so-called “healing rituals” on children.