Church attacked in Mangalore

Unidentified miscreants damaged a Christian chapel in southern Karnataka today.

According to sources, the St Anthony Chapel in Bape Antonikatta, Mangalore was attacked by anti-social elements that stoned the grotto and caused damages.

Statues and several others were broken into bits, they said.

The Chapel has not been rendered with any protection and police claim, they dint notice anything suspicious while patrolling in the night.

Priest Fr Mathias Pereira and assistant priest Anil D'Silva were present while the police visited the spot and verified the damage.

Violence in southern India, parts of Karnataka, shocked the Christian community who for long believed in its secular and peaceful nature.

The attacks synchronized with the August Orissa violence - as the Bajrang Dal and its members continued going rampage causing a ruckus in the state. They accused Christians of forced conversions, damaging over 20 prayer halls in the state.