Investigation to probe police circular against Christians

The police circular that sought the profiling of Christians and churches in Madhya Pradesh have been withdrawn after protests from the community.

Madhya Pradesh director general of police said the circular was a "mistake" and asked the state intelligence chief to investigate and submit a report on the source of the circular.

"The survey was a mere goof up by lower-rung officials," state police chief SK Raut told the BBC.

"Though police collect such information periodically to ensure protection to minority communities in the state, the way this survey was ordered was incorrect," he said.

Earlier, the Church protested the profiling of Christians and said it saw a "hidden agenda" against Christians.

Besides the Christian population and the number of churches, the March 22 order sought details of foreign income, political patronage, Christians with criminal antecedents, economic sources and details of annual functions held at district and tehsil level.

Fr Anand Muttangal, spokesperson of the Catholic Church in Madhya Pradesh, said the BJP-led government was treating the Christian community as "criminals and antisocial elements".

"The attempt to gather information suggests something ulterior," said Fr Muttungal.

"It is a disturbing trend. What is the intention behind profiling the Christian community selectively? The government must be having all the data," commented Fr Babu Joseph, the spokesperson of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India.

Christian leaders meanwhile have approached the National Commission for Minorities for a probe.