Mumbai Christians Protest Against Alleged Bounty on Priests
Thousands of Christians took to the streets of Mumbai on Tuesday to voice their outrage against BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar, following allegations that he offered a bounty ranging from ₹3 lakh to ₹11 lakh for targeting priests involved in religious conversions.
Community Demands MLA’s Resignation and FIR
The protesting community members are demanding Padalkar’s immediate resignation and the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against him. They expressed deep concern over the alleged incitement of violence and the potential threat to their safety and religious freedom.
Protests Across Maharashtra, Concerns Over Anti-Conversion Law
The demonstrations extended beyond Mumbai, with protests erupting across Maharashtra. Christian leaders expressed growing anxiety over a proposed anti-conversion law, fearing it could be misused to target their community and further restrict their religious practices. They called for government protection and swift action against hate speech.