New twist to the Hisar church vandalisation case

The case of vandalisation of a church at Hisar in Haryana has taken a curious turn with a complaint being received against the priest who had reported the incident.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Monday informed the Assembly that a complaint has been received against Subhash Masih — the priest who claimed that his church was vandalised — for assaulting a youth who ran away from a prayer meeting “where Hindu gods were insulted.”

The under-construction Williwarsh church was allegedly desecrated at Kaimri village of Hisar. The cross was allegedly damaged and an idol of Lord Hanuman installed. A flag with the image of Lord Ram was also raised there.

The church was coming up in an unauthorised colony at Kaimri village. About a month ago, Fr. Subhash had complained that when he installed a cross outside his house, activists of the Bajrang Dal and some local residents had objected.

Mr. Khattar said: “On February 8, when he was teaching Bible to over 10 construction workers, some villagers objected to it. The matter was resolved by the Sarpanch. Fr. Subhash was away for some days. When he returned, he found the place vandalised and lodged a police complaint against 14 people.” Those named in the complaint had allegedly threatened him earlier.

The Chief Minister told the House that the villagers also met the Deputy Commissioner on Monday and complained against the priest. “One youth, Umed Singh has also complained that Fr. Subhash took him to his church and conducted a prayer. Umed said words were also spoken against his gods and when he objected, he was beaten up.”

It has also been alleged that Fr. Subhash lured young boys with the promise of getting them married, Mr. Khattar said. The Chief Minister said everyone had a right to practise their religion, but wrong intent should be checked.

With some Congress leaders terming it an RSS agenda, Finance Minister Captain Abhimanyu retorted that names of two persons close to a senior Congress leader figured among the accused.

“We are investigating if any of the 14 people named in the complaint were involved in the incident or if it was the handiwork of some other people,” Inspector General (Hisar Range) Anil Kumar Rao told The Hindu.

A large number of police personnel have been deployed in the village. Entry of outsiders has been restricted.