Three Christian priests injured in attack
From our correspondent
Three Christian priests associated with a local charity organisation at Nere village near Panvel, Maharashtra were allegedly attacked by Bajrang Dal activists on 26 February 2006.
The three priests – Rev KM Philip, Rev Biju Samuel and Rev Reggie Thomas, who suffered serious injuries have been admitted to MGM Hospital in Kamothe. The incident took place around 6.30 pm when the three priests attached to Social and Evangelical Association for Love (SEAL) were about to leave for a prayer meeting. "The attack was pre-planned and the activists mercilessly beat them up using crowbars, inflicting injuries on their heads, shoulders and legs," said Abraham Mathai, General Secretary, All India Christian Council, who visited the priests in the hospital late in the evening.
Mathai said the local volunteers of Bajrang Dal had been harassing the priests ever since they set up the charity organisation for the destitute and the downtrodden in the rural area two years ago. "In all the attacks in the past, Bajrang Dal activists managed to get away as the police failed to apply Sections like 153 (a) for causing enmity between two communities, which could attract harsh punishment," Mathai added.
Meanwhile, the police are yet to register a formal complaint. "The priests were rushed to hospital and we have sent our officer to file the complaint," in-charge Police Inspector Pradeep Mane said.