Pune cops issue 'Leave India Notice' to 3 US nationals for promoting Christianity

Pune police have told three US nationals to leave India after alleging they promoted Christianity while on tourist visas. The action followed an inquiry into pamphlet distribution and alleged religious preaching in Shukrawar Peth.

In Short

• The trio entered India on tourist visas between April 19 and 21
• Police said they distributed multilingual pamphlets and spoke to residents
• A cab driver alerted nearby officers after being approached in Shukrawar Peth

Pune City Police have issued a "Leave India Notice" to three American nationals and directed them to leave the country by May 10, 2026, after finding them allegedly involved in activities not permitted under their visa category. Police said the three individuals, aged 53, 65 and 66, had entered India between April 19 and April 21 on tourist visas.

According to the additional commissioner of police, the three were allegedly engaged in distributing religious materials and interacting with local residents to promote Christianity during their stay. The action was taken after an enquiry found that they had allegedly violated visa conditions by engaging in religious preaching and teaching while in India on tourist visas.

The matter came to light on April 27 in Pune's Shukrawar Peth area, where the trio allegedly approached a private cab driver and handed him pamphlets in multiple languages, including English, Hindi and Marathi. They are also accused of attempting to persuade him about their religious beliefs.

The cab driver then alerted police personnel who had been deployed nearby for a rally. The three foreigners were subsequently brought to a local police station, where their travel documents were checked. Officials said a search of their belongings led to the recovery of a large quantity of printed material related to religious messaging.

A further enquiry by the Foreigners Registration Office of Pune Police found that the three had allegedly breached the conditions of their tourist visas. Based on these findings, authorities issued the "Leave India Notice" under provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, asking them to exit the country within the stipulated deadline of May 10, 2026.

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