New Life Christian church under scanner

The New Life Christian church and its activities might be closely observed by the government, after allegations of provocative literatures published by the members of the church led to violence on churches in Karnataka.

The church was accused of forcibly converting Hindus and even publishing pamphlets downgrading Hindu Gods.

Hindu activists pointed excerpts from Pastor Paravastu Rao's book "Satya Darshini" used in pamphlets painting Hindu gods and goddesses in extremely poor light.

"We are an organisation that's meant to protect the Hindu Community. And the entire Karnataka incident is happening because of this one person," said Bajrang Dal's Pratap.

Karnataka Christian Council Rev Prof Dr H M Watson speaking about the derogatory comments published in pamphlets, flayed any such action and said that nobody has the right to comment on another religion.

Trouble began on 15 September, when Hindus protested the distribution of the propaganda book. Violence erupted in the aftermath of attacks on missionary prayer halls in coastal areas of Karnataka in which more than 40 persons were injured. At least 20 prayer halls were damaged in the spree.

Mahendra Kumar, the state convener for the youth wing Bajrang Dal group, claimed responsibility for the attacks. He was later arrested on September 20, after the Centre sternly admonished the state government.