Udupi, March 10, 2013
In an incident involving alleged conversion near Moodubelle in Udupi, activists allegedly belonging to Bajrang Dal raided a house/prayer hall injuring seven people in the melee. The incident occurred on Friday, March 8, 2013 at late night when activists attacked the prayer hall alleging that conversion was going on in the prayer hall. Of the injured including an 80-year old woman have been admitted to the District Government Hospital in Udupi and another has been admitted to KMC, Manipal. Police have arrested 19 people in this connection, who were later believed to have been released on bail. The prayer hall is attached to the house of Pastor Roshan Lobo.
In his complaint to Shirva Police station Roshan Lobo, the pastor has said that the activists who carried out the attack belong to Bajrang Dal and they warned him of dire consequences including the threat to burn the place down. Inspector General of Police Pratap Reddy visited the place of attack and promised quick action against the culprit.
It is said that the prayer house has been in existence for the 12 years and Bajrang Dal activists had warned them of attacks many times. Eight years ago an attempted attack was carried out but it is learnt that their efforts were foiled due to the timely intervention of the police.
