‘Hinduism is based on superstition’: Arrested US citizen claimed during conversion bid.

US Citizen Arrested in Maharashtra for Alleged Religious Conversion Activities.

Some social media posts claim that Watson is or was an Army Major in the US Defense’s 44th Air Defence Artillery.

Hridya Bharti | HENB | Mumbai | Oct 9, 2025:: A 58-year-old American citizen, James Watson, was arrested in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra, on Friday, October 3, 2023, for allegedly attempting to convert villagers to Christianity by luring them with promises of “happiness, prosperity, and healing from illnesses.” Watson, who was in India on a business visa, was detained along with two locals, Sainath Ganpati Sarpe and Manoj Govind Kolha, for violating visa conditions and engaging in religious propagation.

Some social media posts claim that Watson is or was an Army Major in the US Defense. However, HENB was unable to verify this claim.

An Army Major in US ADA

According to various soreces, James Watson is a US Army Major appears to be true. According to multiple sources, James Watson is indeed an active US military personnel, serving as the Executive Officer of the 2nd Battalion, 44th Air Defence Artillery (ADA), based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. His role in the US Army is confirmed by official documents and articles authored by him, including a 2020 article titled “Owning the Skies, Winning the Fight,” where he discusses the growing threat of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and the strategic challenges they pose to Air Defence forces.

Additionally, photos and videos of Watson in his US Army uniform are available on official US defence websites, such as DVIDS, further supporting his affiliation with the US Army.

The Allegations

According to the complaint filed by Ravinath Bhurkut, Watson and his aides allegedly held a prayer meeting outside Kolha’s house, where they read from Christian books and preached about the benefits of converting to Christianity. The trio reportedly claimed that Hinduism was based on superstition and that accepting Christianity would bring the villagers happiness and prosperity. They also allegedly claimed that illnesses could be cured through Christian prayers and by drinking wine offered as “prasad.”

Charges Filed

The police have charged Watson and his accomplices under multiple provisions, including:
– Sections 299 and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertain to deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings and intentionally hurting sentiments.
– The Foreigners Act, for misusing visa conditions.
– Maharashtra’s 2013 Anti-Black Magic Law, for allegedly claiming to cure illnesses through divine rituals and other forms of deception.

Investigation Underway

The police have seized religious books and other materials from the spot of prayer and Watson’s vehicle. They are investigating whether this incident was a one-off or part of a larger, organized conversion network. Authorities are also probing Watson’s activities in India, including how many times he has visited the country and the extent of his conversion efforts.

Visa Misuse and Legal Consequences

Watson’s business visa was meant for commercial purposes, but he allegedly used it to engage in religious activities, violating Indian laws. Watson is currently in judicial custody, and further investigation is underway to determine the full extent of his activities and any potential connections to other organizations or individuals.

The incident has raised concerns about religious conversion activities in the region and the need for stricter enforcement of laws regulating such activities.
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