A retired pastor and his family in northern India have been badly beaten and forced into hiding after police took sides with their attackers.
Pastor Patram Mangala, his wife Sarla and their two sons suffered multiple injuries when a mob of up to 40 people attacked them with sticks and rocks.
When the extremists accused the family of ‘rioting’ and ‘trying to take Hindu land’, police registered a case immediately. When the family tried to file a complaint against their attackers, police took a week to respond.
Please pray that God will comfort and protect the Mangala family.
The attack took place at St John School in Sohna, Haryana state, which the Mangala family help run. The school is built on land they own. The mob were angry after a recent court ruling went in favour of the Mangalas and prevented extremists from erecting a Hindu idol at the school.
Having lost the court case, it appears extremists are now using the police and media to push their agenda. Local TV has broadcast interviews with police and the alleged ringleader of the attack, both outlining a long list of false charges against the family.
- Pray that God will protect Patram, Sarla and their sons, and deliver justice for them.
- Ask God to touch the hearts of the extremists persecuting the Mangala family and cause them to turn away from violence and hatred.
- Please pray that God will raise up into positions of influence and authority people in India who will champion religious freedom for all.
(Source: Morning Star News)
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