Hindu activists attack prayer service in Karnataka, pastor injured

From our correspondent

 

Sagar: Bajrang Dal activists attacked BCI Church while the worship service was going on in Sagar of Karnataka 29 July 2007. The attack left many seriously injured, requiring immediate hospitalisation.

Assistant Pastor Dennis was leading the worship when around 10 Hindu activists gate-crashed into the church and started to attack the pastor. They also destroyed the podium, musical instruments and glass widows of the church. The attackers carried lethal weapons, including knives, swords and iron rods. Pastor Thankappan, the main pastor of the church, was away on some important work.

After beating up the pastor, they also attacked many believers, including women. The believers suffered injuries on their heads and hands. Five believers were taken to hospital for further treatment.

The believers later filed a complaint in the local police station. The police visited the church to investigate the case. Some of the injured being Dalits, Dalit leader Annappa took up the issue with the local authorities.

This is not the first time such attacks have happened. Many pastors and believers have been attacked on a number of occasions. In the latest attack, the culprits seemed to have Pastor Thankappan as their target.