JABALPUR (RVA News): In a disturbing incident on March 31, Catholic priests and laity were attacked by Hindutva extremists while on a pilgrimage for Jubilee 2025 in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, central India.
Members of the Bajrang Dal, a militant Hindu nationalist organisation, stopped the pilgrims from Mandla parish and took them to the Omti police station.
Following their release, they encountered additional disturbances at a different church and subsequently found themselves at the Ranchi police station. Extremists physically assaulted Father Davis, the vicar general of Jabalpur, and Father George T., the diocesan procurator, when they arrived to assist.
Despite the violence, the priests remained calm and did not retaliate. Police intervened, ensuring their safe release and escorting them back to Mandla by 5.00pm.
The attack sparked outrage within the Catholic community, with Church leaders submitting a memorandum to authorities demanding justice.
While the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the umbrella organisation of the Hindu right-wing groups, has distanced itself from the incident, concerns about rising intolerance persist.
On April 1, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India strongly condemned the attack, calling it a violation of religious freedom and human dignity.
The bishops said called it “deeply distressing” that the Christian community, which has contributed to the nation’s freedom struggle and development while upholding constitutional values, is repeatedly targeted, harassed, and denied its fundamental right to worship by extremist and anti-national elements.
They urged federal home minister, Amit Shah, and Madhya Pradesh’s government authorities to take strict action against the perpetrators and protect religious minorities.
Authorities have launched an investigation, assuring accountability for those responsible.
