Police raid Christian leader’s house in connection with controversial book

Bangalore – In connection with the widespread protests launched by Hindu activists against the controversial book, Haqiqat, that contains disparaging statements against Hindu gods and goddesses, a posse of police from Rajasthan and Karnataka raided the home of Sajan George, president, Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) in Bangalore and interrogated his family members.

On March 6, about 15 policemen broke into the house of Sajan George in his absence and searched the house for incriminating evidence and questioned his family members about his involvement with EMI.

Sajan George, who is the national president of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), has been very vocal about the rights of Christians, individuals and organizations, across India, including Emanuel Mission International (EMI) and its founder Bishop MA Thomas. He has also spoken out for the human rights of the Dalits or “untouchables” of India.

Haqiqat, written by MG Mathews and allegedly containing negative references to Hindu gods and goddesses and prominent Hindu leaders, were sold in Christian bookstores managed by EMI, thus sparking off widespread protests by the supporters of the Hindu fundamentalist outfits like the Bajrang Dal and Shiv Sena.

Violence first broke out on February 17, when Hindu militants in Ramganjmandi, Kota district, destroyed a Hopegivers sponsored church, school and bookstore. While the mob went unpunished, the local police brought three mission workers in for questioning.

Fearing further violence, EMI officials had also canceled their annual convention, which was scheduled for February 23–27 this year.

“My wife and married daughter asked them to leave since we have a 4–month–old nursing baby in our home,” said George, recalling the unexpected visit by the police while he was away on a business trip.

In spite of not possessing any search warrant, the police searched his house thoroughly for incriminating evidence and asked his family members certain questions leading George’s wife to believe that his phone conversations were being tapped.

“My only crime is that I try to defend the cause of the voiceless and marginalized,” Compass quoted George as saying. “My wife and daughter were humiliated. My 4–month–old grandchild was frightened and cried incessantly after the police left.”

The GCIC president has informed the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the central government about the incident and has expressed his fears that “the Kota police and their political masters will now stage–manage attacks” on him and his family.