Udupi, September 12, 2021 (PPI-OT):Tension prevailed after Hindu extremists forcefully barged into a church and misbehaved with church priest and women at the time of prayers in south Indian State Karnataka. The members of the Hindu Jagaran Vedike misbehaved and assaulted with women after barging inside the church in Kukkandur in Udupi district of the state, said Benedict.

Karkala police have registered a case against the members of the right-wing, Hindu Jagaran Vedike, and a church priest. Security has been beefed up in the town of Karkala and Kukkandur village church. Police claimed, the members of the Hindu Jagaran Vedike barged into a church in Kukkandur village alleging that the church authorities assembled more than 35 Hindus there to carry out religious conversions. The police have questioned Benedict, the church pastor for allegedly carrying out conversions.

Police sources said Benedict did not have permission to hold religious meetings. Earlier, there was a complaint filed against him on July 15 for organising religious meetings with the intention to carry out conversions. The pastor was warned by the police not to carry out such activities without permission. However, the programme was held without permission on Friday, the police claimed.

The police have also recorded the statement of Sunil, a labourer who participated in the prayer meeting, saying that Benedict forced him to attend the church prayers. The police have registered a case against Hindu Jagaran Vedike members based on the complaint filed by Benedict. It was said that the activists misbehaved with women after barging inside the church.

The police have also booked Benedict under several sections and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings) and 298 (uttering words etc. with deliberate intent to wound the religious feelings of any person).

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