Pastor held for damage to temple

VISAKHAPATNAM

: Tension prevailed for a few hours
following an altercation between Hindus and Christians at Janata Colony in
Malkapuram here today.

 

The dispute occurred after 10 Christian youths, belonging to
the Search of God church in the colony, allegedly threw stones on the idols of
Sri Durga temple opposite to the church. The group of Christins, aged between
20 and 25 years, decorated the church for Christimas Day celebration till
midnight. After finishing their work, they allegedly threw stones on the
temple.

 

The temple watchman objected to their act and reportedly
chidem them. Without heeding his warning, the youth allegedly went on throwing
more stones at the temple, causing damage to five idols.

 

The watchman informed temple chairman P Apparao of the
incident this morning. Apparao and other functionaries of the temple governing
body went to the place and inquired into the incident. Around 500 devotees, who
were at the temple to worship the Goddess, lent support to the temple
management’s decision to take up the matter with the church members..

 

A heated argument ensued between the two groups and police
had to intervene to dispersed the gathering.

 

The templechairmaan later lodged a
complaint with the Malkapuram police who arrested 12 members of the Church who
included the youth, pastor A Padmaraju and his son-in-law R Ramakrishna.

 

Speaking to this website’s newspaper, circle inspector CM
Naidu said their investigation revealed that Ramakrishna instigated the youth
to do the offence. Cases under Sections 295 and 295(a) of IPC have been
registered against the arrested who would be produced in the court tomorrow, he
said.

Responses