Goa CM warns against religious conversion, Alleges 'magic' is involved

Chief Minister of Goa Pramod Sawant spoke against religious conversion in the state and claimed a Christian pastor used 'magic' to convert poor people.

A pastor, Dominic D'Souza was arrested for religious conversion earlier this week. He ran The Five Pillars church and was booked under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisement) Act. His wife Joan was not arrested. The police took action on the basis of a complaint filed by a person Dominic allegedly tried to convert.

He was later released on bail on Friday.

The CM said the government will take strict action because Dominic used to lure people for conversion. He added that the authorities will act on complaints whenever they are received. Sawant stated that his government respects all religions whether it is Hindu, Muslim, or Catholic. He further said that religious conversion will not be allowed in Goa.

The Goa CM said the police had received two or three complaints against Dominic earlier as well. "He got bail but his house, where such activities were taking place, has been seized." He added that the officials are investigating the matter "strongly".

"As far as I know, Goa's Home Department has done a good job with filing cases against Dominic who was accused of religious conversion. He claimed to use magic to compel people to convert themselves. There have always been complaints against him, but the police department had not acted against him in this manner," added the CM.

He was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the state Bharatiya Janata Party executive meeting in Panaji.