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REPORTED

PCMC demolishes Jesus Is Lord Church in Kalewadi overnight; members cite court stay

In a late-night and early-morning operation around September 6–7, 2026, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation demolished the Jesus Is Lord Church in Rajwade Nagar, Kalewadi (Pimpri-Chinchwad), citing unauthorized construction of about 7,400 square feet. Members told Free Press Journal and UCA News that a court stay and a Monday hearing were ignored, that no advance notice was given, and that filming was blocked. PCMC’s public statement did not address the stay claim. UCA News quoted activist Roy Mathews linking the climate to Maharashtra’s Freedom of Religion Act (in force August 28)—attributed context, not a proven legal basis for this demolition. This brief records both accounts, not a finding that the stay was valid.

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PCMC said its Encroachment Demolition Department, with engineering staff, Maharashtra Security Force, and police, cleared about 7,400 square feet of unauthorized structures in Rajwade Nagar under G Ward on September 7, using heavy equipment under security cover.

Church members, including Rose Mathews (about 10 years with the congregation) and another member identified as Sam, said they learned of the risk overnight, found JCBs and a large police presence, presented court papers claiming a stay with a hearing set for Monday, and were forced away; they also said phones were threatened if they recorded. They alleged no 24- or 48-hour notice and that belongings were left inside. Free Press Journal could not get a senior PCMC reply on the specific court claim; the civic statement did not mention it.

UCA News noted activist Roy Mathews linking the climate to Maharashtra’s Freedom of Religion Act (in force August 28)—context only, not a proven motive or legal basis for this demolition. The demolition and stay-order dispute stands on its own. This brief records both accounts; it does not find that the stay was valid.

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