The tranquil neighbourhood of Delhi’s GTB Enclave was shaken yesterday, Sunday, August 20, as over 300 people, reportedly affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Vishva Hindu Parishad, and Bajrang Dal attacked Christian devotees during Sunday prayers.
In a video accessed by Sabrang India, there are disturbing visuals of saffron clad men assaulting the attendees violently. The ordeal reportedly escalated to a disturbing level, with reports emerging of victims being not only violently thrashed but some of them also subjected to attempts to forcibly remove their clothing.
The mob also later gathered in large numbers outside the local police station. According to Outlook India, the mob shouted “Jai Shree Ram,” towards members of the Christian community who sought refuge within the station.
According to The Wire, violence had unfolded on August 20, when a group of around 35 to 40 assailants armed with sticks, rods, and even swords, launched a brutal attack on the Christian community. The incident happened at 10:45 AM, within the walls of Siyyon Prathan Bhawan in the Tahirpur locality. The attackers barged into the prayer hall, amplifying their message of “Hindu rashtra banayenge, Jai Shree Ram” through loud speakers.
After the initial turmoil, the victims tried to seek refuge within the GTB Enclave police station. However, their attempt to file a First Information Report (FIR) was met with obstacles as outside the station, the mob of over 300 individuals continued their vociferous chants of “Jai Shree Ram,” creating an environment of tension and uncertainty.
Speaking on the incident to Wire, Pastor Satpal Bhati expressed profound dismay, saying, “The Christian community lives in constant fear, fearing for their lives.” This sentiment echoes the broader sentiment of the community, who felt targeted and unsafe within their own neighbourhood as attacks against Christian minorities increase.
This incident comes in the wake of rising violence against minorities. According to a report by Sabrang India, in the first half of 2023, there were alarming incidents of violence against Christians in India, with Uttar Pradesh accounting for 155 cases, as reported by the United Christian Forum (UCF). Whereas, across India, there were 400 such incidents, regardless of the ruling political party, marking a rising trend when compared to 274 incidents during the same period the previous year.
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