Aryavarth (GOA): In Goa, Pastor Domnic D’Souza of the Five Pillar Church, located in Sodiem village in North Goa, was arrested on Monday morning. The arrest, made by Goa Police, was based on allegations of converting people to Christianity through inducement and involvement in black magic. Deputy Superintendent of Police Jivba Dalvi confirmed the arrest following a complaint by a Hindu individual.
The complaint led to D’Souza’s arrest for his alleged involvement in conversion and black magic. This arrest marks the third offence registered against him under similar sections pertaining to conversion, with five additional offences registered in different sections. In total, eight offences have been registered against Pastor D’Souza.
The case against Pastor D’Souza, his wife Mrs. Joan Mascarenhas, and unknown members of the Five Pillar Church includes charges under sections 153-A, 295-A, and 506 (ii) R/w 34 IPC, as well as sections 3, 4, and 7 of The Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act 1954.
In December 2022, the North Goa District Magistrate had imposed a ban on religious activities by Pastor Domnic D’Souza. This order aimed to prevent religious conversions that might affect citizens’ freedom of religion and conscience. The order specifically directed D’Souza and his wife to abstain from engaging in religious conversion.
The complaints against D’Souza, which led to his earlier arrest in May 2022, alleged that he and his associates were inducing people for religious conversion. The case from 2022 was later transferred to the Crime Branch. The recent arrest indicates ongoing legal challenges for Pastor D’Souza and scrutiny of his religious activities in the region.