American citizens detained in Assam for violating visa conditions

Two American citizens, named John Matthew Bone and Michael James Flinchum, were detained by Assam Police for engaging in activities that violated their visa conditions. The incident took place on February 2. Police sources revealed that the duo was later released with a warning, and a fine of $500 was imposed.

Sources further mentioned that the duo was accused of propagating Christianity, despite being in India on tourist visas. Tourist visas do not legally permit any form of religious preaching or propagation.

Sonitpur police took action upon receiving complaints from residents of the Tezpur area. A case was registered against them at the Kacharigaon police station under GDE 03/24, citing their participation in religious events and delivering speeches organized by church associations as a breach of visa rules.


Last year, seven German nationals were detained for violating visa norms. The German nationals were restrained by Golaghat District Police as they attended religious missionary gatherings in parts of Assam without a permitted visa. They were fined $500.

Assam Police had written to the center last year, urging them to blacklist individuals and organizations violating visa norms in future visa applications.

Superintendents of police across the state are instructed to monitor congregations where foreign tourists assemble, irrespective of the religion involved.