On January 30, 2015, Pastor Matthew (name changed) and others were first assaulted by a group of religious extremists and then dragged to the police station, where an FIR under IPC Sections 295A, 298 and 34 was registered against them under the false pretext that the pastor had been conducting forced conversions. The victims reached out to ADF India allied lawyers to seek legal intervention, due to which all the accused secured bail three days after their arrest.
Through the entire trial, the victims displayed exemplary courage and a deep faith in the judiciary and in God. They were confident that justice will prevail, and their faith was gratified.
At the trial, witnesses testified that there was no use of force, fraud or inducement by the accused. On 24th September 2021, after a long and hard-fought battle spanning over 6 years, a district court finally passed the verdict acquitting the Christians as it found all allegations baseless.
“We got justice, despite the delay!” reacted their legal counsel, praising the verdict. All the acquitted believers expressed their gratitude to the ADF India allied lawyers for their constant support, counsel and even encouragement.
To support the work of ADF India, please contribute here. Your prayers as well as financial gift can help in getting justice for those who are being targeted on the basis of their faith.
