Persecution Report

August 25 – September 1, 2009| Volume III, Issue. 36

Christians fearful in West Bengal

Source: Evangelical Fellowship of India
Date: 20 August 2009

A mob of people from the Moukahali Gram Panchayat attacked the Christians in Chok Borhampur Village, Bishnupur, West Bengal and threatened to kill them if they continued to practice their faith.

According to an EFI press release, on 20 August 2009 a mob of 15 people armed with knives, lathis and iron rods shouting anti-Christian slogans attacked a believer identified as Khagen Majhi and threatened him of ‘incidents like Orissa’s Kandhamal situation in West Bengal’ and told him to disown the Christian faith or to face dire consequences.

The mob further assaulted another believer identified as Manik Jana and also verbally abused and manhandled a Christian woman identified as Mrs. Jharna Pradhan.

Similar incidents had occurred on 25 December 2006 and also on 29 July this year.

Father Pallab Lima, a local Christian, speaking to CLA said that, “the Christians in the area approached the Bishnupur police station on 30 July to file a formal complaint, however, the complaint was not accepted by the police officials.”

CLA also spoke to Joyanta Podder, the Sub-Inspector of the Bishnupur Police Station, who informed CLA that a compromise was reached between the two communities to restore peace and harmony in the area on 27 August 2009.

A written undertaking was given by the Moukahali Gram Panchayat to the police in the presence of Father Pallab Lima and other local members not to repeat such threats or hurt any Christians in that area in future. In the event such incident takes place serious actions would be taken against the perpetrators.

Important Telephone No.:
Joyanta Podder, Sub-Inspector, Bishnupur Police Station: 033 24709245

Christians in hiding in Karnataka

Source: Evangelical Fellowship of India
Date: 9 August 2009

Hindu radicals on 9 August 2009 disrupted the worship service of Indian Missionary Service and beat up Pastor V. James in Gulbarga, Karnataka.

An EFI Press release reported that around 10 AM, about 20 Hindutva extremists shouting anti- Christian slogans barged into the Sunday worship service, and assaulted Pastor V. James and accused him of forceful conversion.

The extremists dragged the pastor out on the street, kicked, punched and beat him up. The pastor fled to Ganigapura police station and filed a complaint against the extremists, according to reports.

Later in the evening, around 9:30 PM., the extremists went to the pastor’s house and assaulted him again. They chased the pastor, his wife and four children away from the village. At present, the pastor is hiding in another area. No action has been taken at the time of the report.

CLA spoke to Mr. Reggie Abraham, an employee of GICC, Bangalore, who confirmed the incident. He informed that no formal complaint was lodged by the pastor as he was frightened of any further attacks from the Hindu radicals. He further stated that the local police department has assured the pastor of protection and support if would like to could continue to conduct a worship service in the area.

Church burnt and destroyed in Andhra Pradesh

Source: Global Council of Indian Christians
Date: 21 August 2009

A thatched church was completely burnt and destroyed by unidentified persons on 21 August 2009 at 10:30 PM in Mahasamudram village, Bangarupalem Mandal, Andhra Pradesh.

The church built by Pastor A. John, called Best Friends Church had 5 families and 20 children attending the Sunday service. It was due to be inaugurated shortly.

A complaint (No. 123/09) was lodged against the unknown culprits under S. 436 of the Indian Penal Code with the Bangarupalem Police Station on 21 August 2009.

CLA spoke to the investigating officer (IO) Rajendra Prasad who confirmed the incident. However, the IO was of the opinion that the fire may have ignited from an electrical wire passing above the roof of the thatched church. The IO further stated that the people in the area have been living together in peace and harmony so there is no question of animosity against the Pastor and burning the church. The IO informed that security is being provided to the Pastor and his family and the case is being investigated.

Important Telephone No.:
Bangarupalem Police Station: 08573 280233
Rajendra Prasad, IO, Bangarupalem Police Station: 09440796736

Evangelist Jailed in Kerala

Source: Global Council of Indian Christians
Date: 12 August 2009

Police arrested Manikandan and Evangelist Sunny Joseph on the basis of a complaint of the mother of the former on August12, ’09 in Vythiri, Kerala.

On 12 August 2009 Manikandan went to his mother’s house along with Evangelist Sunny Joseph and started cleaning the house and burnt all the waste. On seeing the burnt waste Manikandan’s mother shouted which attracted some of the neighbours to their house. Thereafter, a Hindu organization called ‘Hindu Ikkaya Vedhy’ created a big issue of the cleaning process and alleged that in the process of burning unwanted wastes some of the articles used in the rituals and worshipped by Manikandan’s mother were also burnt.

A complaint (No. 114/09) was lodged by Manikandan’s mother against Evangelist Sunny Joseph and Manikandan with the Vythiri Police Station, located 100 km away from Calicut (Kozhikode), Kerala. As a result Evangelist Sunny Joseph and Manikandan were arrested and charged under sections 448, 463(A), 295(A), 427 and 435 r/w 34 IPC.

Manikandan accepted Jesus through Evangelist Sunny Joseph two months back. However, Manikandan’s family and others were against him because of his faith.

Manikandan lives in Meppady and Evangelist Sunny lives in Thonichal of Wynad district, Kerala. They have known each other for sometime. Manikandan’s mother Karthivani who lives in Vythiri is a strong devotee of the Hindu goddess ‘Kodungalloor Amma’. She performed rituals and would often pray for others. According to the neighbours, Manikandan and his mother often fought over trivial matters.

On enquiring the status of the case, CLA was informed by the Station Master of Vythiri Police Station that the accused, Evangelist Sunny Joseph and Manikandan, are currently in the Vythiri jail and the case is currently pending.

According to the Global Council of Indian Christians, however, the District Court of August 28 granted bail to Manikandan and Sunny

Important Telephone No.:
Pappi Raj, Station Master, Vythiri Police Station: 04936 255225