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Christian ‘Prayer Festival’ programme in Sangli cancelled by Police

Alleged attempt to convert Hindus by claiming to cure incurable diseases

Sangli (Maharashtra) – The Sangli Rural Police cancelled permission for the Christian missionary event “Maharashtra Prayer Festival-2026”, which had been organised near the airport at Kavalapur. According to authorities, the organisers violated several rules and conditions and allegedly made false claims of curing incurable diseases, while attempting to convert Hindus. The programme was cancelled following strong opposition from members of the “Sakal Hindu Samaj” and various devout Hindu groups, along with the reported violations.

What exactly is the issue ?

The event was scheduled between 13 and 15 March at Kavalapur, Miraj. It was organised by Jesus Calls. The main speakers included Dr Paul Dhinakaran, Samuel Dhinakaran, and their associates. The event reportedly promoted claims of miracles, healing services, and prayer sessions that allegedly cured incurable diseases. Authorities said the organisers violated the conditions and rules imposed for the event. Local Hindu groups alleged that the programme was an attempt to convert naive Hindus through such claims, and therefore raised strong objections.

What claims were made during the event ?

According to reports, certain individuals were invited onto the stage to share “testimonies” to influence attendees. One man claimed that he had stage-four cancer, and that doctors had told him he had only 15 days to live. He stated that after Paul Dhinakaran prayed, the “evil spirits” left his body and he was cured. A woman named Suji claimed that when Paul Dhinakaran placed his hand on her head, her blood-related illness was cured, and despite being academically weak, she scored 99% in her graduation examination.

Police take strict action

The Sangli Rural Police registered a case under various sections for allegedly misleading people by spreading the claim that serious illnesses can be cured solely through prayer instead of medical treatment. Police then ordered the cancellation of the event. Police Inspector B. A. Talekar from the Sangli Rural Police Station confirmed the action through a press release. Cases have been registered against Dr Dilip Bhore, Dr Raosaheb Waghmare, speakers Paul Dhinakaran and Samuel Dhinakaran (both residents of Chennai), Suji, and another unidentified person. (Dilip Bhore and Raosaheb Waghmare are converted Christians who retain Hindu names to make religious conversion easier. Hindus need to be cautious of such conspirators. – Editor)

Where are Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti and Hamid Dabholkar hiding now?: Former MLA Nitin Shinde

Former MLA Nitin Shinde

Speaking at a press conference in Sangli, Nitin Shinde questioned why Hamid Dabholkar and the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS) had remained silent regarding the event. Shinde stated that the MANS frequently criticises Hindu traditions and Saints as superstition but did not speak out when claims of curing incurable diseases through prayer were allegedly being promoted in Sangli. He strongly condemned the silence maintained by MANS regarding what he described as the promotion of superstition under the guise of a Christian prayer meeting.

MANS’ double standards

Nitin Shinde further said that when people like Paul Dhinakaran come to Sangli and claim that incurable diseases can be cured through prayer, thereby encouraging superstition, where do the district-level office-bearers of MANS disappear? He questioned whether Dr Hamid Dabholkar does not see such practices. According to him, the true face of MANS, which targets only Hindus, has now been exposed before the public. He added that while the budget session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly is ongoing, organising such a controversial programme in Sangli is a serious matter. The administration should never have granted permission for such an event. He demanded that the government take strict action against the programme for violating the state’s anti-black magic law.

Editorial Perspectives

  • The claims of curing incurable diseases are being used as a strategy to convert Hindus. The administration should not only register cases but also permanently ban such fraudulent religious preachers.
  • Why groups that frequently criticise Hindu traditions and rituals remain silent when people are misled by miracle claims.

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