Davangere: Miscreants Set Church on Fire
Deccan Herald
Pics: Daijiworld Media Network
Davanagere, Sep 8: Protest against alleged conversion took violent turn on Sunday and a church was set on fire at Bada village in Davangere district. The police have taken 10 persons into custody in this connection.
The miscreants first attacked the some people who were returning from prayer and later set the church on fire. Cement ceiling, window panes and doors of the church were damaged in the attack. The police had a tough time in dispelling the mob gathered in the church premises.
Security has been stepped up in the village and the Karnataka State Reserve Police force has been deployed. Superintendent of Police Sandeep Patil visited the spot.
The protest was being held condemning alleged conversion of 300 Hindus. However, pastor E Lucas denied the allegation saying that those who wanted peace of mind voluntarily visited church and offered prayers. “I’ve been preaching here since 1991 and the church was built five years ago,” he said. However, he has not registered complaint against anybody in this connection and claimed ignorance regarding the reasons behind the sudden attack .
3 churches closed
Meanwhile, the Davangere City Municipality Corporation has ordered closure of three churches which have been allegedly functioning without licence.
Following complaints from a section of community the municipality had asked DHM Prarthana Mandira of Jayanagar, Nityajeeva Devalaya of Srirama Layout, Esu Prarthanalaya of Shivakumaraswamy Layout to submit the records before September 6. As the churches failed to furnish valid documents, they have been ordered to close down and deadline has been extended for three more days.
Tension prevailed for a while when the churches were locked and many offered prayers outside the churches. Prohibitory orders had been promulgated in the 200 metre radius of these churches between 6am to 6 pm.