Four more churches attacked in Karnataka, VHP denies hand

In Banaswadi area, unidentified persons pelted stones at a church and fled as a group of people rushed to the spot. Meanwhile, in Nelliyahudikere village, three window panes of a church were damaged when some miscreants hurled stones, police said, adding seven persons suspected to be involved in the Mariyannapalya incident have been picked up for questioning. However, Mangalore, Udupi and Chikmagalur, which witnessed trouble last Sunday remained calm.

The fresh incidents have come as an embarrassment to the BJP government as it had assured protection to ensure trouble-free Sunday prayers. Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, who chaired a high-level meeting with Home Deparment officials, said stringent action would be taken against police officers who fail to discharge their duty. He has called a meeting of the state Cabinet on Monday to discuss the issue.

The VHP on Sunday said neither the Bajrang Dal nor the VHP was involved in the attacks. Bajrang Dal convenor Mahendra Kumar had been arrested on Saturday in connection with the attacks on churches in the state.

State Home Minister Dr V S Acharya, who has come under attack from the Opposition which demanded his resignation, said “action will be taken against police where incidents of attacks have happened”.

JD(S) chief H D Deve Gowda, who visited the Mariyannanapalya church, sent a letter to the Centre demanding dismissal of the BJP government in the state.