The mob was allegedly armed with iron rods and hockey sticks and attacked the prayer meeting attendees alleging facilitation of religious conversion
JABALPUR — Members of a Hindu organisations gate-crashed into a church in Madhotal in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur on Sunday during the weekly mass, raised ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans and disrupted the smoothly-running prayer meeting.
The Hindutva group was armed with iron rods and hockey sticks and attacked the prayer meeting attendees alleging facilitation of religious conversion with the active connivance of some outsiders.
The confrontation at the Madhotal church near Shiv Shakti Nagar led to police intervention and the temporary detention of some youths.
The Hindutva members even alleged that they were attacked at the church even though videos of the event circulating online clearly show the church attendees silently continuing their prayers even as the gate-crashers entered the premise.
Church officials, however, strongly denied any conversion activity, stating that the prayers were purely spiritual gatherings.
Members of the Hindu Seva Parishad said they arrived at the church around 11 am to question the unusually large gathering, which included visitors from neighbouring districts. According to their account, questions about the crowd sparked tension, and arguments quickly escalated into a physical clash, media reports said on Monday.
Church attendees reported that the Hindu organisation workers barged in, chanting “Jai Shri Ram” loudly, throwing chairs, and causing panic among women and children. Jitendra Barman, a church member, emphasised that worship at the church is voluntary and focused solely on prayer. “People come here on their own will. Today, 15 to 20 young men disrupted our prayers, assaulting women and children,” he said.
Barman further questioned why peaceful prayer gatherings face interference while other religious congregations operate without disruption.
Police quickly reached the scene to prevent further escalation. Sub-Inspector Vinita Garot confirmed that two youths responsible for the disruption have been taken into custody. Complaints from both sides have been recorded, and investigations are ongoing. Legal action will follow based on the FIR filed after the probe.
“The situation has been brought under control, and we are monitoring both parties closely,” said SI Garot, adding that the law will take its course after formal complaints are registered.
Similar Incident in Katanga
A similar clash occurred on Saturday at a church in Katanga, where members of a Hindu organisation alleged that blind children were being forcibly brought for conversion. Tensions escalated, prompting police from Gorakhpur to intervene and restore order.
Local residents and religious leaders have expressed concern over repeated disruptions at places of worship. Many emphasise the need for peaceful coexistence and dialogue between communities to prevent violence and maintain law and order.
As investigations continue, the Jabalpur church clash highlights the growing need for vigilance around religious gatherings and the importance of ensuring that worship spaces remain safe and uninterrupted.
