Persecution on rise; Pastor beaten and arrested by police

The escalating violence against Christians, especially those involved in ministry seemed to be on rise, after a Pastor from Bangalore, who was conducting a prayer meeting, was beaten and handed over to police by a group of Hindu–fundamentalists.

The victim, Pastor John Samuel (39), who is a member of the Assemblies of God group of churches, was on a visit to a co–worker's house for prayer, when the attack occurred.

"While Pastor Samuel was praying with the family members, a group of Hindu–fundamentalists led by on K.M Girish, forcefully entered the house to stop the prayer," explained GCIC.

GCIC claimed, the group after snatching the Bibles, assaulted and brutally attacked the pastor.

The radicals later took Pastor Samuel to the Virajpet rural police station where a false allegation was filed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.

GCIC quoted Pastor Samuel as saying, "They are De–Humanising me and treating me very badly. My life is under threat."

The Bangalore based advocacy group further added, "Pastor Samuel was denied any medical assistance although he was beaten up very badly. When we spoke to the officials, they pretended to be innocent, although they totally denied the Pastor any protection."

The pastor, who is presently on bail said, he was hand cuffed and chained like terrorists, before being brought to the court.