| Persecution Report |
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Tuesday, January 13 2009 Christian Arrested in KarnatakaBelgaum (Karnataka): Karnataka police arrested two Christians on the basis of the complaint lodged by Hanmant Gargoti on January 9 in Gangavadi, Belgaum. According to EFI correspondent in Karnataka, Pastor Iswar Albannavar from Throne of Grace Ministry was conducting a prayer meeting at about 6:30 p.m. when the police entered into his house alleging forceful conversion. The police took Pastor Albannavar and one believer identified as Raju Kolkar to Mala Maruthi Police Station. Police Sub-Inspector Channakeshava told EFI that the two Christians were arrested under Section 153 (A) of the Indian Penal code (IPC) read with 34 IPC and the FIR No. is 9/2009. The two Christians remain in Belgaum central jail at press time. Pastor Albannavar conducts weekly prayer meeting every Friday in their home in Gangavadi slum. He is mainly ministering among the recovering alcoholics. Please for the early release of the Christians and that believers in India will stay strong amid sufferings. Church Burnt Source: CLA Davangere (Karnataka): Hindu extremists on January 1 burned a house church of Resurrected God’s Ministry in Malai Bennur, Davangere district, Karnataka. The extremists burned the church in the early hours of the morning and further threatened Pastor Gangadhar that they will burn his family alive if the matter is taken to higher authorities. It was also reported that this was the second attack on Pastor Gangadhar’s church with the earlier incident taking place on November 11, 2007. One person identified as B. Gangadhar has been arrested under Section 436 of the Indian Penal Code for intend to destroy house with fire or explosive. Please pray for the pastor and all the churches in Karnataka. Christians arrested in Madhya Pradesh Source: Christian Legal Association Dhar: Police on January 5 arrested two Christians on the basis of the complaint lodged by Hindu extremist of forceful conversion in Kushalpura village, Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh. A group of about ten Hindu extremists from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council or VHP) alongwith police personnel barged into a worship service conducted by Pastor Bhuria and Evangelist Baria and accused them of forceful conversion, reported the Christian legal Association. The two Christians were arrested under Section 295 of the Indian penal code for defiling a place of worship with intends to insult. Inspector Upendra Khare told EFI that the Christians were released on bail on January 7. Please pray for the suffering Christians and for Madhya Pradesh. Church Vandalized in Tamil Nadu Source: Christian Legal Association Tirunelveli: Unidentified miscreants on December 22 vandalized a church in Shenkotta ,Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. The assailants destroyed the doors and cupboards of the Thomas Evangelical Church of India. The PA system and the ceiling fans were also stolen. Bibles and church literature were torn and scattered all over the church. It was also reported that the local people in the area have threatened evangelist Manoj Kumar to stop his work prior to the attack. A case has been registered under Section 457 and 380 of the Indian Penal Code but no arrests had been made. Please pray for the churches in Tamil Nadu. Rev. Dr. Richard Howell General Secretary Evangelical Fellowship of India New Delhi, India |