This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.

Main Accused In Haryana Church Vandalisation Case Arrested

Main Accused In Haryana Church Vandalisation Case Arrested
HISAR, INDIA - MARCH 16: A red flag hoisted on an under construction church that was vandalized by some miscreants at village Kaimri on March 16, 2015 in Hisar, India. The under-construction site was vandalized by some miscreants and idol of a Hindu god was placed inside its premises on March 13. Police has booked 14 people for rioting, damaging place of worship, theft and promoting enmity on complaint by the church priest. Tension prevails in the area with the villagers demanding that cases be withdrawn against those among the booked with no hand in the incident. (Photo by Manoj Dhaka/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)
Hindustan Times via Getty Images
HISAR, INDIA - MARCH 16: A red flag hoisted on an under construction church that was vandalized by some miscreants at village Kaimri on March 16, 2015 in Hisar, India. The under-construction site was vandalized by some miscreants and idol of a Hindu god was placed inside its premises on March 13. Police has booked 14 people for rioting, damaging place of worship, theft and promoting enmity on complaint by the church priest. Tension prevails in the area with the villagers demanding that cases be withdrawn against those among the booked with no hand in the incident. (Photo by Manoj Dhaka/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)

CHANDIGARH — Haryana Police today arrested the main accused in the vandalisation of an under-construction church in a village in Hisar district.

"The main accused Anil Godara has been arrested from Hisar today," Hisar SP Saurabh Singh told PTI over phone.

He said that the accused will be produced before a court and police would seek his remand.

"Further investigations in the case are under progress and search is on for remaining accused," he added.

An under-construction church in Kaimri village near Hisar was vandalised by a group and the cross replaced with an idol of Hanuman on Sunday, triggering tension in the area.

The complainant, Father Subhash Chand of Williwarsh church, stated that the the group fragmented the cross and installed the statue of Hanuman and a flag depicting Lord Ram and threatened to kill him.

It was alleged that they stole a cooler and some items from the church that was under construction.

Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar had earlier told reporters here that action will be taken against those who had allegedly vandalised the church.

Khattar had said that an FIR has been registered on the statement of church priest Subhash Chander, against several persons including Anil Godara, Dalbir Singh, Raj Kumar, Kuldeep, Satpal, Krishan, Suresh, Dinesh, Jogender, Kulwant, Sudhir, Bijender, Satnarain and Chhotu Ram.

Khattar had told the Assembly yesterday that the building was reportedly built in an illegal colony and the vandalisation was the result of an altercation between the priest and those who attacked the place of worship.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed his concern over the incident and asked for an immediate report on facts and action taken.

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.