Nurse facing suspension for holding Christmas get-together

A Christian nurse in Mandya district of Karnataka is facing suspension for holding a Christmas get-together at her work place.

Sophia Parimala Rani has been working in Pandapura Government Hospital in Mandya for the last 10 years. Like always, Rani held a Christmas get-together for staff and patients at the hospital on Friday, Dec. 25.

The Christmas programme under the overseeing of Evangelist Babu at about 3pm came to an abrupt halt after a group of Hindutva radicals barged into the hospital and hurled abuses on allegations of forceful conversion.

The group also manhandled Evangelist Babu who hails from Mysore, according to Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC).

GCIC said the hospital authorities informed the Pandapura Police Station after which both the parties were reconciled. They, however, "forcefully" obtained an apology letter from the nurse, the advocacy group added.

After the compromise, the radicals complained to Dr Jairam, the Head of Department, to take action against the nurse.

"It is learned from inside sources that the hospital has prepared a suspension letter which will be handed over on Monday, Dec. 28," GCIC said.