Bajrang Dal blamed for church attacks in Karnataka

Witnesses appearing before the Justice BK Somshekhara Commission Monday accused the Bajrang Dal for the attacks on churches in Karnataka.

The Commission - instituted by the government to probe the series of attacks on prayer halls last year - was informed that fanatic groups mainly the Bajrang Dal indulged in arson and violence on churches and that documentary evidence substantiated the claims.

"Miscreants who attacked the church shouted slogans like 'Jai Sriram,' 'Jai Bajarang Dal' and 'Yesuvige Dikkara.' I firmly believe that the miscreants belongs to the Bajrang Dal," said Anthony Rodrigues, pastor of Mahima Prarthanalaya, Belthangady.

Among the 13 deponents was Melvil Pinto who submitted the call details of unknown persons who made threatening calls to his landline. Melvil also said he was injured and admitted after the explosion of tear gas shells.

Melvil along with other victims urged the local authorities to enhance security and compensate for the loss incurred.

Ronald D Silva, resident of Kalladka, said he was attacked and injured during the violence. "I underwent treatment in Father Muller Medical College. I want compensation and protection from such attacks," he stated.

He has demanded a compensation of Rs 75,000.

Investigating officer Hemalatha Mahishi, in the absence of Justice Somshekhara, recorded the statements and verified the affidavits of the victims.

The Commission has till date received 981 affidavits, including 551 from Dakshina Kannada alone.

The attacks last September led to widespread violence in Mangalore, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, Kolar and other small districts of Karnataka.

According to the media, nuns were injured, prayer halls over 30 were ransacked and some twelve people including four pastors were seriously hurt during the mayhem.

Major TV channels telecasted the seemingly seething Hindu rioters with sticks and iron rods shouting anti–Christian slogans, damaging statues, windows and furniture.

Police used batons and teargas shells to disperse protesters. At least 50 members of the RSS and Bajrang Dal were arrested following the violence.

Mahendra Kumar, the state convener for the Bajrang Dal group, had earlier claimed responsibility for the attacks.