Persecution Update: Three Christians arrested on false charges in Orissa

Three Christians arrested on false charges

Three more Christians have fallen victims to false charges in Orissa. Last week, the state police arrested the Christians associated with the Good Shepherd Community Churches (GSCC) on allegations of attempting to rape and murder in Guntaput, Koraput district, Orissa.

The Rev. Abhiram, coordinator of GSCC reported that an advocate and an active RSS worker identified only as Nanda lodged a police complaint against three believers identified as Rajat Kuldip, Saliman Kondhpan, Gokul Kondhpan of " attempting to rape and murder".

The Christians upon knowledge of police inquires, themselves surrendered on December 3, 2008. A case with the charges under sections 147, 149, 254, 307 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code is filed against them.

The All India Christian Council (aicc) in a statement said, the legal harassment through misuse of the law has spread all over India. "Many Dalit and tribal Christians have suffered from legal harassment by Hindutva fanatics, who have misused the law against them and made false charges," they said.

Last month, a tribal Christian leader who was imprisoned on rape charges was proved innocent after 4 years.

Steven Chhotabhai Rajvadi was convicted in 2004 for a crime he never committed. Rajvadi was declared innocent by the division bench of Justice JC Upadhyay and Justice AL Dave.

Pastor attacked in Adilabad

A pastor who was returning home after solemnizing a Christian wedding was waylaid and attacked by Hindu extremists on December 7, 2008.

Pastor Prabhu Dass, District General Secretary of All India Christian Council-Adilabad, had gone to solemnize a wedding at Thimmapur village, Bhainsa mandal in Adilalbad district.

According to sources, "After the wedding, as he was returning to catch a bus along with other pastors, an unknown Hindu activist attacked him from behind with a stick, leaving him seriously injured. While attacking, the activist allegedly shouted, asking: "Who is Jesus?"

No case has been registered so far. Pastor Dass will file an FIR after being discharged from the hospital.

Church attacked in Erode

Hindutva activists have attacked a church damaging the front portion, including the windows at Kavundapadi in Erode district of Tamil Nadu.

Unknown miscreants, last week, attacked the Jesus Miracle Ministry Church in Erode by pelting stones and damaging the structures.

The Church that gathers over 800 Christian believers on Sunday, was established a few years ago in the wake of the villagers turning to Christ on account of the healing they had experienced

Pastor Rev J Samuel and his wife Ida Samuel, meanwhile, expressed dismal over the response of local authorities with whom an FIR has been filed. They intent to meet the district police chief and the collector.

Pastors and believers beaten up in Karnataka

On December 8, Hindu fanatics attacked a Pastor and believers of a local Assemblies of God Church in Bellary, Karnataka. The Christians belonging to the Immanuel AG Church was returning home after a prayer meeting organized by a Hindu convert, Krishna Veni.

According to an advocacy group based in the state, "A mob of nearly 25 radicals who are local VHP leaders, accused the Christians of forceful conversions, dragged them out of their vehicle, abusing and beating them."

Later police instead of the attackers detained the Christians and gave stern warnings. They have refused to take any action against the attackers.

The Christians, meanwhile, are organizing a protest rally on December 15, to protest the violence on Christians and to demand for protection and religious freedom.