Catholic communities in Mumbai, have strongly condemned the vandalism of a roadside statue of Jesus Christ, calling for a full investigation and stronger protection of religious sites across the city.
The incident took place on 7 June in the Parel area, where unidentified individuals damaged the statue located outside a church. The act has caused distress among local parishioners and church leaders, who say the statue is an important place for prayer and reflection.
The parish priest of Holy Cross Church in Parel said the damage had deeply affected worshippers who regularly gather at the site. Church representatives described the act as painful for the community, especially given the statue’s role in local devotional life.
The Archdiocese of Bombay also issued a strong response, expressing serious concern over what it described as repeated acts of vandalism targeting Christian symbols in the city. Church officials said such incidents should not be viewed as minor mischief, but as actions that harm communal harmony and the spirit of peaceful coexistence.
Church leaders noted that this incident follows earlier cases in May, when roadside crosses near St John the Baptist Church in Andheri East were also damaged. Those earlier attacks led to increased police attention and protection for several religious landmarks in the area.
In Mumbai, roadside crosses and statues are common, particularly in neighbourhoods with historic Catholic communities. Many of these structures date back centuries and are regarded not only as religious symbols but also as part of the city’s cultural and historical identity.
The Archdiocese has urged authorities to carry out a thorough investigation and ensure those responsible are held accountable under the law. It also appealed for stronger measures to safeguard all places of worship, stressing the importance of protecting religious freedom and mutual respect.
Church officials added that the community would remain firm in its faith and continue its religious and social work despite such incidents, while encouraging citizens to uphold unity and respect for diversity in the city.
Legal representatives and Christian advocacy groups have also raised concern, with one lawyer stating that attacks on religious symbols risk disturbing social harmony. A Christian association further noted what it described as a worrying pattern of repeated targeting of crosses and statues linked to the Christian community in recent weeks.
Authorities have been urged to take the matter seriously and prevent further incidents.
Based on reporting from UCA News. Rewritten for this publication.
