Overview

• Bhiwandi taluka police arrested James Watson, 58, Sainath Ganpati Sarpe, 42, and Manoj Govind Kolha, 35, after a Friday prayer meeting in Chimbipada, Thane district.
• An FIR based on a villager’s complaint alleges preaching to about 30–35 people, distribution of Christian literature, claims of healing through prayer, and the offering of wine as prasad.
• The complaint states the accused recorded the names of four underage girls and that Watson placed his hands on their foreheads while claiming divine healing powers.
• Police say Watson entered India on a business visa that was allegedly used for religious activity, triggering action under the Foreigners Act alongside criminal provisions.
• All three are booked under BNS Sections 299 and 302, the Maharashtra anti-black magic law, and immigration rules, with investigators examining Watson’s past visits and local contacts.