Hate attack at a Christian prayer meeting in Kolhapur

At least 12 people were injured in an attack by a group of people during a prayer meeting in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra on 26th December. A police official said that when this incident took place in the afternoon, about 20 to 25 people were participating in Sunday prayers at the residence of Bhimsen Chavan in Kovad village of Kolhapur. This village is situated on the Karnataka border. He told that a group of 10 to 15 masked people reached for the sword, iron rods and glass bottles from Chautala’s motorcycle and attacked the people.
The official added that the accused persons threw stones at the people praying and tried to enter the house. However, some women participating in the prayer meeting sprinkled chili powder and forced the attackers to flee. They said 12 people were injured in the attack and they were admitted to the hospital.

The higher officials assured that police officials are keeping an eye on the situation in the area and that the situation is under control now. The official said that the exact reasons behind the attack are not known yet. At first glance, it seems that the intention behind this was to disturb the prayer. Kolhapur Superintendent of Police Abhinav Deshmukh visited the spot and is monitoring the investigation.

He said that it appears that the attackers came from Belgaqui. The police are registering the statements of those who saw the attackers. He told that the CCTV footage of the area is also being investigated. They expressed the hope that the attackers would be caught soon. Police have registered a case of attempt to riot and murder against unknown people.

While many such hate incidents happen in the city, strong actions are made by the police against those who indulge in these types of incidents.

Image Credit& Courtesy: The Indian Express.