Christians attacked, many injured

A mob of Hindu extremists barged into a meeting of Protestant vicars in a Mumbai suburb and attacked them, leaving three seriously injured and dozens others with minor injuries. HT Correspondent reports.

A mob of Hindu extremists barged into a meeting of Protestant vicars in a Mumbai suburb and attacked them, leaving three seriously injured and dozens others with minor injuries.

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The group, allegedly wearing badges of Swami Narendra Maharaj, went on a rampage in Damodar Hall in Nalasopara on Tuesday afternoon.

Dr Abraham Mathai, vice-chairman of the Maharashtra Minorities Commission said that about 400 evangelical vicars had been holding a meeting in the hall.

“A group of about 30 Hindu fundamentalists locked the door and told the vicars to chant Jai Shri Ram. They refused and so they started beating them up,” he said.

Vicar James Samuel was taken to a hospital and had five stitches to his head, while others were left with bruises and scratches. Even a five-year-old girl was not spared, he said.

Mathai said he wanted the police to book the culprits under Sections 295 (attacking a place of worship) and 153 (attacking religious groups) of the IPC, which were non-bailable offences and could attract up to five-year sentences.

The Nalasopara police have so far arrested two members of the mob.