Evangelist arrested by police in MP, GCIC protests

Police yesterday arrested an evangelist working with the Indian Evangelist Team in Ujjain, 140 kms from Bhopal on false claims and allegations made by a staunch Hindu militant group.

Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), a prominent Christian advocacy group based in Bangalore reported about Evangelist Tulsi, 26 years old, who was beaten and handed over to the police by the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) members on fabricated charges.

“After Tulsi was handed over to the police at the Maksi police station, the officials along with the RSS goons made up false cases against him. They locked him alleging he is converting people to Christianity by force," explained GCIC.

The Christians residing in the area, when requested the police to grant permission to meet Tulsi, were refused and asked to gain permission from the RSS leaders.

Furthermore, Tulsi was made to sign on blank papers by the police and even forced to recite Hindu religious chants for which he refused. “They even offered to free Tulsi if he can forsake Christianity,” added GCIC.

Tulsi has been charged under the IPC section 295 and 153.

GCIC lamented that the plight of Christians in Madhya Pradesh and other northern cities in India is pathetic due to the rule of government by the RSS leaders.

Christian leaders and missionaries in the northern part of India often face persecution and imprisonment by Hindu radicals who are challenged by the increase of Christians and the active participation of Christian organizations in Education, Hospital and other sectors.

While campaigns and demonstrations against these atrocities are held in various parts of the country, the law and order often delays in offering a helping hand to the persecuted Christians.