Bhopal, A Hindutva mob hoisted a saffron flag bearing the image of Ayodhya’s Ram temple on a church in Madhya Pradesh, leading to increased communal tensions.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the incident, which was captured in a social media video, shows members of the Hindutva group placing Hindu flags atop the church amid chants of “Jai Shri Ram.” The church, founded in 2016 by Pastor Narbu Amaliyar, is a regular place of worship for a small congregation of 30-40 people. Pastor Amaliyar expressed shock at the incident, noting that it occurred during a daytime prayer service with about 25 Hindutva members suddenly arriving and chanting slogans.

The local police have not recognized the targeted building as a place of worship, resulting in no case being filed. Superintendent of Police Agam Jain commented, “This was a person’s home. It wasn’t a church. So we didn’t file an FIR.” However, Pastor Amaliyar disputed this claim, insisting that the building has been a church since 2016, separate from his residence, and is used for Sunday prayers.

The event has heightened concerns over religious tolerance and respect for places of worship in the region.

The report also highlights a separate incident in Mira Road Maha town, Mumbai. A clash erupted between Muslim and Hindutva RSS-BJP communities following a procession featuring saffron flags symbolizing the Lord Ram Temple. The procession, which traversed a minority-dominated area, sparked objections, leading to heated arguments and physical clashes. During the altercation, one individual suffered minor injuries, several vehicles were damaged, and there were instances of stone-pelting.

In response to these events, authorities have deployed a substantial police force in the town to maintain order.