Christian missionary shot dead in Jharkhand

A Christian Missionary working for a prominent Christian radio called Trans World Radio (TWR) was shot dead by a group of unknown men for his alleged Christian activities among poor people in India's eastern state of Jharkhand.

According to All India Christian Council, Ajay Topno accompanied with an evangelist friend from Vishwani were actively involved in conducting worship services for Christian families in Sahoda village.

On 16th September 2007, Ajay adjoined with his friend were attending a worship service amid serious conflicts between Christians and non–Christians in the village, which Ajay was unaware.

The local press reported of seven members from a family converting back to Hinduism from Christianity with the support of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Hindu Jagran Manch. This incident led to tension and chaos in the village, for which reason the anti–Christian elements killed Ajay.

According to Ajay's wife, he left home on 16th September about 7 pm, informing her of his travel to Sahoda village. Perplexed over Ajay’s delay, she alerted their friends and local ministry workers, who helped her file a police complaint stating Ajay being missing.

The police team led by the Ranchi district rural Superintdent of Police after three days of search, were shocked to find his body abandoned in a jungle near the village.

The post–mortem report read, Ajay was shot dead and the police believe it could be the maneuver of Jharkand Libration Tiger Soma Dhan. Some others claim – the village people supported by RSS and Hindu Jagran Manch committed the crime.

Meanwhile Christian evangelists, pastors, Christian leaders and believers in Ranchi attended the burial of Ajay Topno.

Christians in the village shocked over the incident, fled fearing lives. All India Christian Council appealed to the Government of Jharkhand to probe the incident and punish the culprits.