Tension broke out in Gangadhar village in Odisha’s Jaleswar after a group of priests and nuns were allegedly attacked by Bajrang Dal members on Wednesday evening. The incident took place after they had conducted a memorial prayer service for a man who had passed away a year ago.
According to a statement from the Syro Malabar Church, two priests, two nuns, and several mission workers had gone to a local church under the Gangadhar Mission to offer evening mass. “While they were returning after the service, about 70 Bajrang Dal workers stopped the priests and their assistant on the way and brutally beat them up,” the church claimed.
The police detained some individuals after receiving complaints. They said locals suspected the group was involved in a religious conversion attempt, although the priests insisted they were there only for a death anniversary prayer.
“We were invited to conduct prayers for a man who died last year. It was only a memorial service,” said the priest from the Jaleswar Church during police questioning. Police confirmed that after an investigation, all those involved were identified and later released.
Father Lijo Nirappel and Father V Jojo reportedly sustained injuries during the attack. The church also alleged that this wasn’t the first time such violence had occurred and criticised the administration for not taking strong action in the past.
A senior police officer said an Additional Superintendent of Police will now investigate the case to ensure a thorough probe.
