Evangelist killed and "sacrificed" for Hindu 'goddess'

An evangelist in the North Indian state of Madhya Pradesh was killed by Hindu priests seeking human sacrifices for a Hindu 'goddess', the latest in a series of attacks against Christians in the country.

According to the Global Council of Indian Christians, an advocacy group, Vipin Mandloli, 27, was shot dead near Aamkut village in the Jhabua District, Madhya Pradesh.

Mandloi who works as a shepherd in his spare time, left his home on October 14 to a nearby mountain to graze his sheep near a Hindu temple.

"There was a new temple of Kali the 'goddess' of the Hindus and he was in its premises…Three ‘Pujaris’, or ‘Hindu Priests’ came there and they shot and killed Vipin Mandloi with a…pistol," said GCIC President Sajan K. George.

GCIC alleged that the Hindu priests were apparently angry that Mandloi had become a Christian, after abuse of alcohol and a failed marriage. He transformed to a very devoted Christian and even supported the churches and evangelists in the locality, claimed GCIC.

"The goddess Kali is a bloodthirsty goddess and she is even given human sacrifice so it is suspected that the priests found this an opportune time to kill the evangelist as they were already upset with his decision of accepting Christ," said George.

There has been growing concern about attacks against Christians in the same region even in the past. While the investigation is on process, GCIC hopes justice will be rendered to the family.