Goons attack Church, set afire Bible; brutally thrash pastor, pregnant wife

[email protected] (CD Network)
April 19, 2016

Raipur, Apr 19: Two miscreants armed with sharp-edged weapons barged into a church in Chhattisgarh's Bastar district and allegedly set ablaze a Bible and other articles besides thrashing the pastor and his pregnant wife.

While the police called the miscreants “unidentified men”, the local Christian community called them “Bajrang Dal goons backed by Vishva Hindu Parishad”.

1pastor-attacked

The incident took place on Sunday evening at village Karanji Matagudi Para under Parpa police station limits. "As per the written complaint of Pastor Deenbandhu Sameli, an FIR has been lodged in this connection. Continuous patrolling is being done in the region to nab the attackers. We are pretty sure that the culprits will be arrested soon," Bastar Superintendent of Police RN Dash said.

As per the complaint, two men identified themselves as belonging to some other denomination of the Christian community and expressed their desire to pray in the church.

After entering inside the premises, they launched an attack on the pastor and poured inflammable liquid on the Holy Bible, furniture and other religious material kept inside and set them ablaze.

"After getting information about the incident, we immediately rushed to the spot and deployed a policeman for security throughout the night," Dash said.

A case under sections 295 (injuring or defiling place of worship), 392 (robbery), 452 (house-trespass after preparation for hurt), 435 (mischief by fire or explosive substance), 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt) and 34 (common intention) of the IPC was registered against the unidentified persons, he added.

Meanwhile, president of Chhattisgarh's Christian Forum Arun Pannalal alleged that the attack was carried out by the workers of Bajrang Dal and accused police of "covering up" the incident.

"This was third attack on the religious premises of Christian community in the region. It was carried out by the goons of Bajrang dal. Police are trying to cover it up," Pannalal claimed.

The attackers were armed with a knife, hammer, sword and petrol.

After breaking locks of church premises, they barged inside and poured petrol on the Bible, other holy books, furniture and mike set and torched them, he said.

They also poured petrol on pastor Deenanath and his pregnant wife, Meena and tried to set them afire but somehow they managed to escape, Pannalal added.

Police personnel immediately reached the spot after getting report of the incident and deployed night guards there, he added.

Meanwhile, unconfirmed sources said that the pastor and his wife were targeted after they refused to chant “Shri Ram Ki Jai.”

Comments

Ravi Shetty
 - 
Wednesday, 20 Apr 2016

Bhajrang Dal ..is Dal main bahut Kuch Kala Hai... stupid unemployed goondas

asif
 - 
Wednesday, 20 Apr 2016

the fact is. after knowing the naked truth still our Hindu friends are supporting this goons, its really sad to know that. guys its good to defend their own Religion. But not hurting other religious sentiment

Vijay
 - 
Wednesday, 20 Apr 2016

These people will never Live happily by creating Problems to Other Religion. God Will Surely Punish Them. I wish these People may get Arrested and get a Severe punishment for what they did to the Church & the Pregnant Women.

Ahmed
 - 
Wednesday, 20 Apr 2016

BD and VHP are such a radical group and a challenge for Indian Democracy. Even these groups going to be a challenge for their mentors RSS and BJP.

UMMAR
 - 
Wednesday, 20 Apr 2016

NO ONE BURNT THE BIBLE BOOK OF OTHER RELIGION ,

ONLY VHP & BAJARANGAL DAL IS BURNING... THESE pEOPLE DONT HAVE MANNERS AT ALL.. THEY DONT KNOW WHAT IS MEANT BY RELIGION,... THEN BLAMING OTHERS

ATTACKING THE PUB SCHOOL COLLEGES AND SAYING THAT COW IS THEIR MOTHER
NEED TO BAN AND WARN THEM STRONGLY

Aakash
 - 
Tuesday, 19 Apr 2016

Under BJP rule , these VHP /BD/ Rama Shena and other RSS backed groups got free license to kill and destroy minorities and their worshiping places openly. No rule is applicable for these groups under BJP rules!! only God can save minority community from these goons!

neeraj
 - 
Tuesday, 19 Apr 2016

its expected......after there will preasure from USA ...MODI will get some offer........then situation will calm down

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News Network
December 16,2025

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Melkar (Bantwal): The 9th Annual Day celebration of SMR Public School, titled “EXCELLENTIA”, was held on December 15 with great enthusiasm and dignity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and holistic development.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. U. T. Iftikar Ali. The chief guests were Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. P. Moosabba Beary, Mr. Zakaria Jokattre, and Dr. T. M. Abdul Rahuf—whose inspiring addresses motivated the students and appreciated the school’s contributions to education.

Mr. Abdul Nasir, Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar, Mr. Razak Golthamajal, Mr. Sali Koya, Mr. Arshad Hussain, Mr. Ismail Balanoor, Mr. Feroz Bawa, Mr. Sahul Hameed, Mr. Abubakkar, Mr. Hameed K. Mani, Mr. Abdul Majeed (Principal, Melkar Women’s College), and Mr. Abdul Lathief (Former Principal, Melkar Women’s College) were the guests of honour.

The Annual Report was presented by the Headmistress, Ms. Fathimathul Zaheera, highlighting the school’s achievements and progress during the academic year. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Chairman of SMR Public School, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasised the vital role of education in shaping students’ futures and stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving 100 per cent academic results.

Secretary of SMR Public School, Mr. Rifath Ahmed, and PTA President, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, were also present on the occasion.

The Annual Day celebration showcased the collective efforts of students and teachers and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to quality education and all-round development. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, and well-wishers for their support. The 9th Annual Day—EXCELLENTIA—was a memorable and successful event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. 

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News Network
December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Air India Express has announced that it will resume direct flight services between Mangaluru and Muscat from March 2026, restoring an important international air link for passengers from the coastal region.

Airport authorities said the service will operate twice a week—on Sundays and Tuesdays—from March 1. The initial flights are scheduled on March 3, 8 and 10, followed by March 15 and 17, with the same operating pattern to continue thereafter. The flight duration is approximately three hours and 25 minutes.

The Mangaluru–Muscat route was earlier operated under the 2025 summer schedule, with services beginning on July 14. At that time, Air India Express had operated four flights a week before suspending the service.

Officials said the summer schedule will come into effect from March 29, after which changes in flight timings and departure schedules from Mangaluru are expected. Passengers have been advised to check the latest schedules while planning their travel.

The resumption of direct flights to Muscat is expected to significantly benefit expatriates, business travellers and others, further strengthening Mangaluru’s air connectivity with the Gulf region.

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News Network
December 17,2025

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Melkar, Dec 17: The 17th Annual Day and Graduation Ceremony of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, themed “Fusion-2K25,” was celebrated with dignity and enthusiasm, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s academic journey. The programme reflected the college’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence, character building, and the holistic development of students.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Asif Mohammed, whose presence greatly enriched the occasion. The celebration was further graced by the chief guests Mr. P. B. Ahmed Mudassir and Mr. Nissar Fakeer Mohammed, along with the distinguished guests of honour Mr. B. A. Nazeer and Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar. In their inspiring addresses, the guests encouraged the graduating students and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the management, faculty, and students.

The annual report was presented by the Principal, Mr. Abdul Majeed S, highlighting the institution’s academic progress, notable achievements, and extracurricular accomplishments during the academic year.

The presidential address was delivered by the esteemed Chairman of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasized the vital role of education in empowering women and shaping responsible citizens. He also stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and perseverance in achieving success.

Cultural programmes and academic recognitions formed an integral part of the celebration, showcasing the talents and achievements of the students. The graduation ceremony was a proud moment for the outgoing students as they were formally conferred degrees and wished success in their future endeavours.

Ms. Mashmooma Fathima served as the Master of Ceremonies. The welcome address was delivered by Ms. Fathima Nida, and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Ayisha Suhana.

The event successfully achieved its objectives and was highly appreciated by the guests and attendees.

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