BALAGHAT, India — About 20 Hindu extremists attacked a pastor in Balaghat on Nov. 24.
Pastor Ghanshyam Chowkse of Jeevan Jyoti Ashram was visiting a local Christian family when the extremists broke into the house of Purnima Dhuarey and dragged the pastor out, striking him with their fists and legs. They also struck Dhuarey with their hands. Pastor Kamlesh Nagpure said the mob was carrying a gas container with them, intending to burn Chowkse alive, and he said Chowkse was traumatized for days afterward.
The extremists were members of the Bajrang Dal, the youth wing of the Hindu extremist Vishwa Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council). Dhuarey was also attacked and beaten four months prior for having recently converted to Christianity. She and Chowkse have filed two separate First Information Reports (FIRs) at the local police station. Dhuarey named the extremists in her FIR as she was able to recognize them, but Chowkse reported only unidentified men.
“No major proceedings have yet taken place in both the cases,” Nagpure said.
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