One of the church representatives, who is a priest, mediating messages back and forth between the Delhi police and the protesters. (Source: Express photo by Krishna Vamsi) One of the church representatives, who is a priest, mediating messages back and forth between the Delhi police and the protesters. (Source: Express photo by Krishna Vamsi)

Against the backdrop of the fire that had broken out in St Sebastian’s church in Northeast Delhi’s Dilshad Garden, people from the Christian community on Tuesday staged protests outside the Delhi Police Headquarters.

Speaking to Indianexpress.com, the parish members alleged that it was a case of arson and the fire was not accidental.

“From the oil canisters present at the church it was evident that there was a deliberate attempt to burn the church and we want the culprit to be caught and punished,” said Father T G Jose from a church in the Civil Lines area.

Also read: Christian community protests outside Delhi Police headquarters

The protesters from various Christian communities took ground in front of the police headquarters blocking the road for any vehicle transit.

Alleging foul play in the burning of the church, George, a member of the church, said, “The fire started from four different places in the church. It was not just kerosene or petrol, but other inflammable chemicals were used. The police came late and even after the fire engines left, the church was not immediately sealed. The investigation team came after 5 PM. We even protested at the SHO office there.”

Protesters were holding placards and shouting slogans over ‘discrimination’ against the ‘minorities’. They mobbed around the front gate of the headquarters, which the Delhi Police cordoned off, waiting for the church Bishop, who was reportedly inside the building, to demand justice for the incident.

One of the church representatives, who is a priest mediating the messages form both the ends, said, “The discussion is going on. We demand an immediate talk with (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi ji and the Lieutenant Governor. We also want the church to be restored before Christmas, a compensation for the church and immediate transfer of the SHO concerned.”

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