Church leaders decry police assault on priests, tribal women
Three weeks after two Catholic priests and tribal women were assaulted by police in Juba village, Church leaders say no action has been taken against the perpetrators, raising serious concerns over religious freedom and state bias.
Apr 25, 2025
ODISHA, India: Three weeks after two Catholic priests and tribal women were assaulted by police in Juba village, Church leaders say no action has been taken against the perpetrators, raising serious concerns over religious freedom and state bias.
On March 22, police entered St Francis Xavier Church in Gajapati district without a warrant and violently beat Fr Joshi George, Fr. Dayanand Nayak, and several Kondh tribal women and girls preparing the church for Sunday service. A fact-finding report later described the police behaviour as a “targeted attack” on Christians.
“This is the first time in the state’s history that police have assaulted Catholic priests and paraded them publicly,” the report stated, describing a deep sense of fear, insecurity, and disbelief in the community.
The priests were accused of religious conversion and beaten with lathis (heavy sticks). Women were reportedly molested, and sacred church items were desecrated. Police also destroyed village homes, motorcycles, food supplies, and appliances.
Despite a formal complaint filed by the Berhampur Diocese on April 8, Church officials, including Bishop Sarat Chandra Nayak, report that no response or action has come from state authorities.
Fr. George said the silence from officials only confirms fears of targeted bias under the Hindu nationalist BJP government, which took power in the state in mid-2024.
The Church continues to call for justice, accountability, and protection of constitutional religious freedoms for Christians and tribal communities in India.--ucanews.com
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