Believers 'mercilessly' beaten by fanatics in Karnataka

The state of Karnataka is continuing to witness a surge in violence against Christians.

In yet another incident of persecution, a group of eight believers were "mercilessly beaten" and dragged to the police station for conducting their evening prayers.

The Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) informed that the victims, coolie workers of a coffee estate in Gonikoppa near Madikeri, were praying when a group of 10 Bajrang Dal activists stormed into their house.

"They hurled abuse at them in the foulest of language and dragged them on the public road and forcibly took them to the Gonikoppa Police Station," GCIC said.

Two of the victims who were profusely bleeding have been taken to the Gonikoppa Government Hospital. Apparently, one of the victims is unable to pass urine as a result of being repeatedly kicked at his private parts.

All the victims are regular church-goers and belong to the Shakina Full Gospel Church at Hunsur.

GCIC lamented that the police did not take action against the "rabid fanatics who attacked innocent Christians simply for saying their evening prayers."

"The worst is that the police supposedly have advised the victims to stop praying in their own houses in the future, as they are helpless to give any protection if any untoward incidents were to take place," the Bangalore-based advocacy group said.

Incidentally, six months ago, the leader of the fanatic gang, Manu, had 11 pastors arrested and lodged in the Madikeri Jail for a week. The pastors had gathered for a prayer meeting.