A Christian missionary operator, identified as Joy Mathew, has been booked for attempting to convert members of the Bhil tribal community to Christianity through financial inducements and material benefits in Kota, Rajasthan. The operation was run from the Motipura village which falls under Kaithoon police station limits. The police teams have registered a case against Mathew under sections pertaining to hurting religious sentiments, intimidation, and violations under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
According to Rural Superintendent of Police (SP) Sujit Shankar, the case was filed based on the complaint of members of the Bhil community. The charges include violations under sections 299 and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sections 3(1)(t) and 3(1)(va) of the SC/ST Act. An FIR (Number 158/2025) in this case has been registered at the Kaithoon Police Station.
Allegations of luring poor tribals
Complainants, including Chauthamal Bhil from Ramji Ki Tapri village, alleged that Joy Mathew had built a church and rest house on a large plot of land and had been actively enticing economically weaker members of the Bhil community to embrace Christianity.
According to the complaint, Mathew provided villagers with essential supplies such as chicken, rice, lentils, wheat flour, oil, vegetables, and cash assistance. It was further alleged that he financed the construction of houses for 11 to 12 families in the village.
Witnesses claim that Mathew openly encouraged villagers to “throw images and idols of Hindu gods and goddesses into the canal” and promised financial rewards and opportunities to travel abroad if they converted to Christianity.
Bajrang dal activists intervene
The situation escalated on the evening of April 21, when Joy Mathew organised a community feast featuring traditional dishes such as dal, baati, and churma for the villagers.
During the event, Mathew’s family members, including his daughter, son-in-law Colin, and grandchildren, all visiting from the United States on tourist visas, were also present.
Receiving information about the gathering, Bajrang Dal activists reached the site and confronted Mathew.
According to Yogesh Renwal, Rajasthan state coordinator of Bajrang Dal, “When we arrived, we found Joy Mathew along with his wife, children, and around 50 villagers: men, women, and children, from the Bhil community. They were being subjected to Christian prayers and were being instructed to make derogatory remarks about Hindu deities.”
Renwal further alleged that new converts were being made to wear crosses and perform Christian rituals. The activists objected to the proceedings, leading to chaos at the venue.
Foreign national booked for visa violation
In addition to the case against Joy Mathew, the Kaithoon police also registered a separate case against his son-in-law, an American citizen named Colin, for violating visa norms.
Police officials stated that Colin had participated in and helped organise a religious event and gathering, activities that are prohibited under the terms of a tourist visa.
The police took Joy Mathew and Colin into custody for questioning following the disruption. A case under the Foreigners Act has been registered against the foreign national.
Security tightened in the village
To prevent any escalation of tensions, additional police personnel have been deployed in Ramji Ki Tapri and surrounding areas.
Officials said that the situation is currently under control and that further investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of the alleged forced conversions and violations.
