CNN-IBN
http://www.ibnlive.com/news/vhp-activists-beat-up-two-priests/top/39994-3.html?xml
Posted Tuesday , May 08, 2007 at 15:29
INDIA'S TALIBAN: The priests were dragged to
a police station after they were beaten up by
VHP activists.
Kolhapur (Maharashtra): In a shocking attack,
two priests from Ichalkaranji, in Maharashtra's
Kolhapur district, were severely beaten up by
Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP)
activists.
The VHP activists alleged that the priests were
engaged in converting Hindus to Christianity.
The priests were dragged to the local police
station after they were mercilessly beaten up
in full public view. Even more shockingly, the
police detained the priests but took no action
against the activists who beat them up. "It's
highly shameful. It's as if the Bajrang Dal
does just not understand the concept of law
and order," said Congress leader Rajiv
Shukla, reacting sharply to the incident.
"A high-level probe has been ordered into
the incident . The guilty will get the strongest
possible punishment," said Mahrashtra Home
Minister, R R Patil. Last week, a pastor in
Jaipur was attacked by a right wing group for
preaching Christianity. The police felt that
time that the presence of media cameras added
fuel to the fire. Five people were arrested
in connection with the attack. The attack -
allegedly by VHP, Bajrang Dal activists - took
place on Sunday triggering off protests by student
and Christian groups in Jaipur. More arrests
are likely in the case.
