Church authorities claim that the attackers created ruckus in the premises and broke flower pots
About two dozen members of a pro-Hindu outfit allegedly vandalised a church in Madhya Pradesh's Jabalpur late on Friday night. Activists of the Hindu Dharma Sena also allegedly beat up tribals who had come to attend a three-day Bible convention, accusing the church of carrying out religious conversions.
According to church authorities, members of the Sena entered the hall of Saint Thomas School late on Friday night and roughed up tribals. Around 200 tribals were sleeping in the hall at the time. The men also allegedly broke earthen pots, shattered glass panes of windows and even broke windshields of cars outside the Parish Priest's office, close to the Cathedral.
But the Hindu Dharma Sena denied the allegations.
"They (Christians) are blackmailing us as we have exposed them. They are converting tribals. We have not damaged any property of the church," said Yogesh Agrawal, state President, Hindu Dharma Sena.
The church has refuted the allegations of conversions, claiming that those who attended the convention were Christians.
Christian groups have also threatened to close all missionary schools and colleges in Jabalpur on Monday if the police fails to act against the accused. A case has been registered against unknown persons, but no arrests have been made so far.
"Why did such things happen to us when we informed the administration about it? Every year we hold this convention. So far, the administration and state government have not taken any action. There have been no arrests so far, which is disappointing. We will wait till Monday morning. After that, plan our next step," Jabalpur Bishop Gerald Almeida told NDTV.