Nine Catholics arrested following a disturbance during a church service in Rajasthan have appealed to the Rajasthan High Court for bail after lower courts rejected earlier requests.
The group was taken into custody earlier this month after tensions broke out during a Eucharistic celebration at a Catholic parish substation in Kalinjara village in Banswara district.
Bishop Devaprasad John Ganava of Udaipur Diocese said the continued detention of the Catholics had caused deep concern among local believers.
According to Church leaders, the incident began when a group of Hindu activists reportedly entered the worship gathering during Holy Communion and accused Christians of carrying out religious conversions. Claims were also made about the alleged slaughter of a cow for a community meal.
Father Arvind Amliyar, priest of Bandaria parish, said the visitors began filming the service on mobile phones, leading to confusion and confrontation inside the prayer gathering.
A scuffle later broke out as parishioners attempted to stop the disruption.
Police subsequently arrested nine Catholics over two days and filed several charges against them, including rioting, disturbing public order and attempted murder. Authorities also named additional parishioners as suspects in the case.
Church representatives say many Christian families in the area are now living in fear, with some reportedly avoiding their homes because of ongoing police searches.
A Church official, who requested anonymity, said others linked to the case are considering applying for anticipatory bail while waiting for the High Court hearing expected later this month.
Rajasthan is among several Indian states enforcing anti-conversion laws that regulate religious conversion activities. Christian organisations have challenged these laws in Supreme Court, arguing that they threaten religious freedom. However, the laws remain in effect while legal proceedings continue.
Adapted and rewritten from reporting by UCA News.
