Andhra Pradesh: Church members detained for crossing banned area

Taking advantage of the GO 746 order which bans propagation of any religion apart from Hinduism, within a fixed radius –– a group of ministers preparing for Church dedication were falsely accused and charged.

On 14th October, Pastor Rushi Anand Paul of Badrachalam, Khammam had invited the Health Minister V. Venkateshwar Rao, M.P Babu Rao, MLA S. Rajaiah as Chief Guests for the dedication of their new church “Abhisakhti Ministries” which was proposed to be held on 15th October.

Amidst the preparations for the event, the church members placed banners and posters for publicity of the function. Whilst the arrangements were being done, 10 Hindu radicals vehemently tore the banners and lodged a false police complaint, accusing the ministers of placing posters in the surrounding 2 km radius of a temple.

The Andhra Pradesh government Ordinance 747 bars other religions other than Hinduism to be propagated in and around 20 famous temples in the state including the world famous Tirupati temple.

Although the posters were hung far from the proposed 2km radius, the radicals taking advantage of the order complained against the ministers.

The radicals took along 2 church members Ramesh (30) and Kumar (32) to the police station and falsely complained against the pastor and detained the youth members, reported Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC).

More than 200 radicals gathered at the local police station insisting the police to detain the 2 and file a complaint against the pastor.

Although the dedication celebration was held, the ministers were absent.

GCIC requested prayers for the Christians in Khammam and for the peace of the state of Andhra Pradesh.