Karnataka govt orders CoD probe into church attack

"We will refer it (probe) to the Corps of Detectives (CoD)," Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa said in the Assembly, adding he would make a detailed statement on the issue later. The miscreants yesterday vandalised St Francis De Sales Church in Hebbagodi, desecrating two statues of Jesus and Mary placed in a grotto and damaging window panes.

Lashing out at the government for its failure to check attacks on churches, the opposition Congress had yesterday demanded a probe by the CoD. Authorities last night also issued shoot-at-sight orders against those found to be trespassing into churches, mosques and temples or found to be committing theft or indulging in any mischief.

Describing the attack as one perpetrated by those seeking to tarnish the BJP government's image, Yeddyurappa had on Thursday said in the assembly that stern action would be taken against the miscreants.