Police Jail Nine Catholics in Rajasthan After Parishioners Chase Armed Intruders Out of Village Church During Mass

Nine Catholics in Rajasthan, India, have spent more than two weeks in custody after a confrontation broke out during Mass at a village church in Kalinjara.

The incident happened on May 1, when more than a dozen people allegedly entered the church during Communion, accused worshippers of religious conversion, and began recording the service.

Parishioners Say Intruders Disrupted Mass

Father Arvind Amliyar said he was celebrating evening Mass when the group entered the church and began shouting accusations.

According to the priest, the situation escalated when one of the intruders allegedly pulled out a knife. Parishioners then seized the weapon and forced the group out of the church.

Police Arrest Catholics Instead of Intruders

Church leaders say police arrived after the disturbance but arrested Catholics rather than taking action against those who entered the church.

Four Catholics were arrested the same night. Five more were detained on May 4, including 70-year-old Anil Rawat, a retired government school headmaster who runs a private school.

Bail Rejected Twice

The arrested parishioners were charged with conversion and attempted murder.

A local magistrate denied bail shortly after the arrests. The case was later taken to the Banswara district court, but bail was rejected again on May 12.

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Bishop Devprasad John Ganawa of Udaipur said the allegations were false and expressed frustration that the accused remain jailed.

Church Leaders Criticize Anti-Conversion Laws

Catholic leaders and Christian rights advocates say the case reflects a wider pattern of anti-conversion laws being used against religious minorities.

A.C. Michael of the United Christian Forum said such laws have made it difficult for accused Christians to obtain bail, even when cases are based on weak or disputed claims.

He said many Christians remain in jail while legal challenges move slowly through higher courts.

Impact and Consequences

The arrests have deepened concerns among Christian communities in Rajasthan and other Indian states with anti-conversion laws.

Church leaders say the case could discourage worshippers from openly practicing their faith, especially in rural areas where small Christian communities are more vulnerable to intimidation.

The case has also intensified debate over whether anti-conversion laws are protecting religious freedom or being used to target minorities.

What’s next?

Church lawyers plan to approach the High Court with senior legal counsel after two failed bail attempts.

Christian groups are also expected to continue pressing for stronger legal protections and renewed scrutiny of anti-conversion laws.

Summary

Nine Catholics from Bandaria Parish remain in jail after a May 1 confrontation at a village church in Rajasthan. Church leaders say intruders disrupted Mass, but police arrested parishioners on conversion and attempted murder charges.

Bail has been denied twice, and the case is now expected to move to the High Court.

Bulleted Takeaways:

• Nine Catholics have been jailed for more than two weeks in Rajasthan.
• The incident began when a group entered a village church during Mass.
• Parishioners say one intruder pulled out a knife before being forced out.
• Police arrested Catholics and charged them with conversion and attempted murder.
• Bail was denied by both a local magistrate and the Banswara district court.
• Church leaders say the charges are false.
• Christian advocates say anti-conversion laws are being misused against minorities.