Assam: 3 Swedish preachers arrested for preaching Christianity; Fined US $500

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• Oct 27, 2022 | Dhupali Das

The three people were identified as Marcus Arne Henrik Bloom, Hannah Mikaela Bloom, and...

Digital Desk: Three Swedish nationals were arrested in Assam's Dibrugarh district on suspicion of preaching Christianity while violating the terms of their visas on Wednesday.

A district official stated that they were released after paying fines of US $500 each (Rs 41,500).

The three people were identified as Marcus Arne Henrik Bloom, Hannah Mikaela Bloom, and Susana Elisabeth Hakanason. They entered India on October 19 and arrived in Assam on October 24. 

As per the information gathered by the police, they were preaching in a church in Namrup and engaged in missionary activity. They acquired photographic and video evidence based on the information and found that the accusation was accurate, said Dibrugarh police superintendent Shwetank Mishra.

It was against visa requirements because they were there on tourist visas. They were also found to have violated Section 14 of the Foreigners' Act (for actions in violation of visa conditions). They were detained as a result, he added.

Mishra added that the three were penalized and released in accordance with the rules for breaking the terms of their visas.

They were arrested while planning a proselytising event. They were aiming to convert residents to Christianity under the guise of a "Peace and Healing Prayer Festival" from October 25 to 27.

The Swedish national was brought before a local court where they were found guilty of violating the Foreigners' Act. The court ordered the district administration and police to arrange their deportation.

The police stated that the Swedish nationals will be brought to Guwahati on Thursday and then will be deported to Sweden.