GANGAPUR DAM, India — Hindu extremists disrupted a baptism and thrashed believers at Gangapur Dam, Nashik district, in Maharashtra state Jan. 26.
The Times of India reported that as members of the Navjivan Fellowship Church were conducting a baptism ceremony at the dam, a group of 10 to 12 men armed with cricket stumps, iron rods and sticks arrived and beat those present, including women and children. They also damaged the car of one Christian.
Winston Daniel, whose head was injured during the assault, said that the attack was so meticulously planned that the group left behind no clues to ascertain their identity.
The Hindustan Times reported that Sangeeta Paulat, who also was injured, said the assailants shouted, “Jai Shri Ram” (hail to Lord Ram) while beating them. Suresh Patil suffered a head injury, and Himmat Wagh received hospital treatment for a fractured hand. Sanjay Pandit suffered a broken leg and was recovering at Nashik Civil Hospital.
A complaint was filed with Nashik Taluk police, and a case of rioting was registered against the unidentified men.
Share with others: