Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India Secretary General Theodore Mascarenhas said:

The charge of conversion on which the priests and seminarians (were) detained is frivolous and laughable. This has been part of the Christmas season in Satna for the last 30 years.

He also noted that when a group of priests arrived at the police station to enquire about the arrests, a mob belonging to a Hindu group associated with Modi’s political party torched their vehicle. Those priests were also taken into custody, according to the arresting officer.

The arrests allegedly stem from a complaint from one resident who said he was “lured by a group of Christians to convert.”

Despite the affection that has been heaped on the prime minister by American conservatives, the fact remains that oppression and persecution of Christians has continued to skyrocket since his party was swept into power in 2014.

Madhya Pradesh is one of five states that require government permission before any group may proselytize, but the law is largely aimed at Christians, Buddhists, and Muslims. Being convicted of illegal conversion can lead to one year in jail.

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