Again church vandalized in Karnataka

For the second time within a month unidentified miscreants have vandalized a church in the south Indian state of Karnataka.

St Anthony's Church at Kavailbyrasandra in Bangalore was on early Sunday vandalized by miscreants who forcibly opened the main door and proceeded to the tabernacle which they broke open and stole some sacramental vessels.

The miscreants, according to a source, desecrated the sacred place and also tried stealing money from the collection boxes kept inside the church.

Archbishop of Bangalore, Bernard Moras, who inaugurated the church this September, said he was depressed over the profanation and damages caused. He called it an "assault on the sentiments of Christians".

He expressed his shock to Home Minister VS Acharya, and also called Police Commissioner Shankar Bidari asking him to intervene and book the culprits behind the attack.

When Additional Commissioner of Police MR Poojar visited the church, the prelate informed that even after several attacks last one year "not a single culprit has been booked".

He said such incidents of vandalism caused "communal disharmony and discord". Police, meanwhile, have not ruled out the role of Hindutva elements that are on a violence spree against Christians from recently.

The last such incident that was condemned by church people was the attack on St. Francis De Sales Church near Hebbagodi on September 8, 2009.

Unknown miscreants broke two statues and damaged the glass panes of the church located in the outskirt of Bangalore. The state's Cops of Detective (COD) was later called to investigate the attack.

Following the incident, Police Commissioner Shankar Bidari issued shoot at sight orders against those found to be trespassing in churches, mosques and temples or found to be committing theft or indulging in any mischief.

Karnataka ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has recorded the most number of attacks against Christians since 2008.

Currently, the Justice Somasekhara Commission of Inquiry is investigating the attack on several churches last year in Dakshina Kannada and other districts of Karnataka. A report is to be submitted by the end of December.