CHHAPRA, India — On Oct. 11, at least 20 Hindu extremists stormed a Christian gathering, vandalized the meeting hall and beat five Christians in the Chhapra area of Bihar state’s Saran district, including Pastor Raghu Pathi of the local Bethel Assembly of God Church.
The attackers — who were from Bajrang Dal, the youth wing of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council) — had warned Pathi against carrying out the Oct. 3–11 function, which he had organized, said Sajan K. George of the Global Council of Indian Christians.
In addition to beating the five, the attackers vandalized furniture, a sound system and video CD players, a loss estimated at $1,010 in U.S. currency.
Organizers continued to hold the meeting after the attack with police protection. The Chhapra police station registered a complaint against the attackers.
After the attack, Asho Tiger, a leader of the local unit of the Bajrang Dal, issued a statement threatening Christians with further attacks if they conducted such meetings again.
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