Persecution Update: Church vandalized and worshippers threatened in Chattisgarh

A group of over 20 Hindu extremists vandalized an Independent Church in Raipur Naka, Chattisgarh, yesterday. Masihi Mandir is a church sited in Raipur Naka, Durg, pastored by Rev. Nelson Daniel.

According to the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI), the incident took place around 11 am during the worship service, when miscreants shouting Hindu slogans barged into the church and disrupted the service.

Accusing the Christians of forcefully converting people, the radicals damaged the Church furniture’s and threatened the worshippers of dire consequences if they continue following Christianity.

Rev. S. Das, a Pastor from Bhilai, which is the second largest city in the state, informed EFI that the extremists numbered around 40 and claimed to organize more attacks on the churches in the area.

An FIR has been lodged against the unknown persons under Section 295, 147, 323 of Indian Penal Code.

Meanwhile, a group of Christians led by Rev. Arpan Tarun, met with the Collector Shri. Subrat on June 2, 2008 and submitted a memorandum. The delegation also apprised the Superintend of Police Shri. Thakur and requested immediate action on the culprits.


Pastor attacked and robbed in Madhya Pradesh

In another incident, a Pastor was brutally attacked and robbed in Madhya Pradesh, last week. Pastor Rampal Kori, working with the Eternal Life Ministries was attacked while returning from a Christian meeting.

According to an independent Christian report, the miscreants attacked the pastor with iron rods and wooden clubs.

"One of the men hit Rampal on his head with an iron rod, leaving the Pastor unconscious and bleeding. They then robbed Rampal of 3,000 Rupees, which was offered by one of the believers," stated the report.

"Hearing the pastor’s scream for help, the believers of the village rushed to the spot and took Rampal to the nearby Government hospital and got his wounds dressed. The Pastor is under medical care."

The report concluded that the police have taken no action, even after an FIR was filed against the miscreants.


Church demolished in Andhra Pradesh

On May 26, last month, a group of Hindu extremists demolished a church in Andhra Pradesh.

Led by RSS/BJP leader Mr. Sadaiah, a 20–member gang, demolished the Church, which according to local Christians, preached and served love.

Global Council of Indian Christians requested prayers for the persecuted and the churches in the state, which are under threat.


Theology school under attack in Karnataka

Hindu Jagarna Vedike & VHP–Hindutva extremists on 24th May, last month, assaulted the staff and students of 'Timothy Theological School' in Sathanarayapettai, Bellary district of Karnataka.

"Around 12.30 p.m. around 20 extremists led by Mr. Anil Naidu and Siddesh barged into house–church as lectures were going on and attacked Rev. Jayaprakash and the 15 students in the classroom," reported GCIC.

The radicals physically assaulted Rev. Dr. Isaac Namadevu, chairperson of the theological school, who is also the Pastor of "Assembly of God Ministry church."

The students and faculty have been severely injured. After a complaint filed against the radicals, the Circle Inspector of the local police station apprehended and detained eleven radicals for enquiry.

30 Christian preachers attacked in Adilabad

The 'All India Christian Council' (AICC) has condemned an attack against a group of 30 Christian preachers who were on an outreach mission in Bainsa, Andhra Pradesh, last week.

On acquiring information of the Church events, RSS activists numbering about 200, attacked the vehicles and injured the Christians, resulting in serious injuries, said the report.

AICC is making efforts to bring the Christians out to safety, after the police apprehended the preachers.