According to authorities Katie Rachel Graham was arrested in Bardiya, a western district in Nepal on Monday, along with four other Nepali citizens, for allegedly going to homes of local people with the aim of converting them to Christianity.
“Nepalese law strictly prohibits such acts. Currently we are investigating whether the charges filed against her are true," said Bishnu Hari Upadhaya, Director at the Department of Immigration.
According to Mr Upadhaya, if a foreigner was found guilty of such charges, the person would be deported from the country and not be able to return for a specified period.
Sweta Manandhar, Shreejan Manandhar, Tej Bahadur Shahi and Dal Bahadur Taruna are the other four Nepali citizens arrested with Ms Graham. They’re currently being investigated by police.
"Nepalese law strictly prohibits such acts"
The District Administration Office at Bardiya had initially arrested the five of them on Monday and the case was referred to Department of Immigration as one of the alleged happens to be a foreigner.
Information Officer at District Administration Office at Bardiya Mahender Jung Shahi said bibles, diaries, pamphlets and videos related to Christianity were found with them.
Graham is believed to have a tourist visa for Nepal.
A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade declined to comment on this specific case citing privacy obligations but said the department stands ready to provide consular assistance to the Australian woman if required.
It says, "consular assistance may include visits to prisons to monitor welfare, liaison with local authorities regarding the Australian’s well-being, provision of lists of local lawyers and assistance communicating with family members or nominated contacts".
