Coimbatore: Over 100 members of various churches thronged the district collector’s office in Coimbatore on Sunday demanding action against a group of men who allegedly vandalised the CSI church in Kalapatty.
A group of men affiliated to a Hindu outfit barged into the church, demolished a portion of the compound wall and damaged the alter cross, triggering tension on Saturday evening.
Meanwhile, the Kovilpalayam police booked six members of Hindu Munnani (HM) for the attack. The members of HM were against constructing the church as a temple is located close by. Though they moved court for a stay against construction works, it ruled in favour of the church.
The church was renovated and dedicated on Saturday morning, while the attack happened in the evening. The police have booked them under IPC sections 295 (A) (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs), 147 (rioting), 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapons), 452 (house-trespass after preparation for hurt, assault or wrongful restraint) and 506 (ii) (criminal intimidation) and section 3 of the TNPPDL (Tamil Nadu Public Property (Prevention of Damage and Loss) Act.
The members of various churches, who thronged the Collectorate sought for police protection to prevent any repeat of such untoward incidents. They also urged the collector for speedy action against the accused persons. Police said that they have booked a case and are on the lookout for the accused persons, who are on the run after unleashing an attack on the religious institution.
