Mob attacks prayer hall in Udupi

Alleging that conversions were taking place, activists of a Hindu organisation on Friday attacked a Christian prayer meeting held in the house of Roshan Lobo at Kodingere in Moodubelle here.

As many as 19 men, said to belong to the Bajrang Dal, have been arrested in connection with the attack.

IGP (Western Range) Prathap Reddy told Deccan Herald no complaint of conversion had been registered yet.

“These people, who claim allegiance to various Hindu groups, attacked Christians gathered for prayers at Lobo’s house, charging them with converting people. We are yet to ascertain the truth behind the allegation,” he said.

He added that district police had acted swiftly and rescued people from the prayer hall.
The injured were treated at a hospital. “We do not know which organisation the attackers belong to,” he said.

Police said that around 35 Bajarang Dal activists attacked the Word of Victory prayer hall at around 10.30 pm on Friday. The victims filed a complaint with the Shirva police who arrived immediately and arrested 19 people. The SP and the DySP too rushed to the spot to take necessary action.

Superintendent of Police Dr Boralingaiah M B said most of the arrested men belonged to the Bajarang Dal. “An inquiry will be conducted to find out the truth,” he said.

Denying allegations of conversion, Lobo said, “We are not into conversion. Our prayer hall is open to all and people from neighbouring areas also attend the meetings. We have been conducting services for the last 12 years. No one is forced to attend our meetings.”

All the arrested have been released on interim bail.