Persecution Report April 29 - May 6, 2009| Volume III, Issue. 17 Christian workers attacked in Mumbai Source: Hindustan Times
Date: May 5
About 30 Hindu extremists from the Swami Narendra Maharaj on 5 May attacked a Christian revival meeting, injuring 10 Christians including a five-year-old girl in Mumbai, Maharastra.
According the Evangelical Fellowship of India, at around 1:00 p.m., a mob of Hindu extremists forcefully entered into a meeting organised by ‘Vasai Taluka Christian Pastors Association’ attended by 200 Christians at Damodar Hall, Nalasopara (east), Mumbai. According to reports, the mob closed doors and windows of the hall on all sides, and forced the Christians to chant “Jai Shri Ram” (Praise lord Ram).
When the Christians refused, they were mercilessly beaten. Pastor James Samuel received hospital treatment and had five stitches to his head while about 10 others including a five-year-old child were left with bruises.
The police have arrested Sanjay Keer, his wife Sushma, Deepak Vairagade, Pramod Viraskar and Rajesh Kanade, all followers of Narendra Maharaj.
The extremists were arrested and charged under Section 147, 148, 326, 323, 427 of the Indian Penal Code for rioting, unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object, voluntarily causing grievous hurt, mischief causing damaged to the amount of fifty rupees or upwards and Section 7 of Criminal Law Amendment Act respectively.
The FIR No is 143/09
Important Numbers
Nalasopara Police Station: 0250-2402033 Prayer meeting disrupted in Chhattisgarh Source: EFI
Date: May 3
Hindu extremists allegedly from the Bajrang Dal (Youth wing of World Hindu Council) on May 3 attacked an afternoon prayer meeting, burned Bibles and Christian literatures in Bara Koni Area, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh.
According to an EFI press release about 12-15 extremists barged into the prayer meeting hosted by a believer identified as Neeshi Nath and disrupted the meeting. The extremists burned Bibles, gospel tracts, broke up crockery and other household goods.
The extremists verbally abused the Christians and their faith, threatening them with serious consequences if they continue with Christian worship meetings and activities in the area.
The Christians filed a police complaint and First Information Report (FIR) has been registered in Koni police station against unknown persons under Sections 421, 423 and 427 of the Indian Penal Code. No arrests had been made at press time.
The FIR No is 60/09
Important Numbers
SP (Bilaspur) 07752-223330
Koni Police Station 07752- 260039 Pastor threatened in Himachal Pradesh Source: CLA Contact
Date: May 2
In Himachal Pradesh state’s Salon district, Hindu extremists accused Believer Church’s pastor of forceful conversion and threatened him not to conduct future worship meetings on 2 May. About five extremists led by Sunil Sheena, vice president of Valmiki Sabha stopped pastor Suresh Masih Bhatti on his way back home after visiting Christian homes in the area, reported general secretary Tehmina Arora, Christian Legal Association.
The extremists accused the pastor of forceful conversion, verbally abused his faith and warned him not to conduct worship meetings again or face serious consequences.
Believers Church representative, Rev. Biju Solomon told CLA that there was no attempted forcible conversion. He added that, “After Pr. Suresh Bhatti gave a written complaint in the police station, the police called the Valmiki Sabha leader and the pastor. In the presence of the police he apologized for what he did and he gave the police in writing that he would not repeat such things in future. The police have given a copy of the letter to the pastor also.”
Important Phone Numbers:
Subathu Police Station: 01792- 275001 To read Previous Persecution Reports |
