HC Refuses to Quash FIR Against ASHA Supervisor Accused of Forced Conversion in Khambhat

AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat High Court has refused to quash an FIR registered against an ASHA supervisor, Namrata Gordhanbhai Makwana, accused of brainwashing and coercing subordinate Hindu ASHA workers into converting to Christianity. Dismissing the quashing petition, the court observed that a prima facie cognizable offense was made out under the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, 2003.

According to police details, the case was registered at the Khambhat Rural police station following a complaint filed by an ASHA worker. The accused, Namrata Makwana, allegedly pressured four Hindu ASHA workers between 2022 and 2024 by reading out passages from the Bible, showing religious videos, and criticizing idol worship. When the workers resisted, Makwana allegedly threatened to reduce their salaries and forcibly took them to a religious gathering in Vadodara to highlight the purported benefits of conversion.

Major Financial Disclosures

During the investigation, police unearthed a massive financial trail. State prosecutors informed the court that over ₹3.30 crore was transferred into Makwana’s bank account by Jehovah’s Witnesses of India. Investigators believe this substantial amount was allocated specifically to fund and run conversion campaigns.

Targeting the Economically Weak

The High Court noted that investigative materials indicate the accused targeted economically vulnerable individuals, taking advantage of their financial hardship to encourage conversion.

While the petitioner argued her right to propagate religion under Article 25 of the Constitution, the court rejected the plea following strong opposition from the state government. The police filed the charge sheet in November 2024 following their probe.