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Last Updated:August 08, 2025, 12:56 IST
Some priests and nuns, who had travelled to the village to conduct a memorial service for a man who died a year ago, were allegedly attacked on their way back.
Priests and nun allege assault in Odisha (AI-generated image)
Tensions flared up in the Gangadhar village in Odisha’s Jaleswar following allegations of a religious conversion bid, prompting the police to detain some individuals, officials said on Friday.
Some priests and nuns, who had travelled to the village to conduct a memorial service for a man who died a year ago, were allegedly attacked on their way back at around 5 pm on Wednesday.
“On Wednesday evening, two priests, two nuns, and a few mission workers had arrived at the church under the Gangadhar Mission to offer the evening mass for the deceased. While they were returning after the service, about 70 Bajrang Dal workers stopped the priests and their assistant on the way and brutally beat them up," a statement from the Syro Malabar church alleged.
The police said that the locals suspected a religious conversion bid.
The Basta Police questioned the priest from the Jaleshwar Church, who said that they had been invited to pray at a death anniversary ceremony.
“Following inquiries and investigation, the police took the details of everyone involved and later released them," an official said.
An Additional SP rank officer will investigate the incident. Residents alleged that similar cases have occurred in the past; however, the administration has failed to act.
The church has claimed that Father Lijo Nirappel and Father V Jojo were injured in the alleged attack by the Bajrang Dal.
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...
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- Location :
Odisha (Orissa), India, India
- First Published:
August 08, 2025, 12:55 IST
News india Tensions In Odisha Village After Religious Conversion Allegations; Priests, Nuns Claim Assault
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