Marian grotto attacked in Pune

Burnt books, a packet of bindis, an earthen pot used for Hindu funerals and a tulsi pot were also found nearby.

(Photo: Pune mirror)

Pune:  In another attack on Christian community, unidentified people early Wednesday brunt a Bible and other religious articles at a Marian grotto near Pune, Church officials said.

Some parishioners of St Sebastian Church in Daund saw thick black fumes emanating in front of the grotto around 5 am, Times of India daily said quoting parish priest Denis Joseph.

Burnt books, a packet of bindis, an earthen pot used for Hindu funerals and a tulsi pot were also found nearby, according to Father Malcolm Sequeira, vicar general of Poona diocese.

The police have registered a case charging unidentified people for defiling a place of worship with intent to insult the religion and also for mischief causing damage.

Police officer Tanaji Chikhale said preliminary investigations make them “suspect mischief to be the reason.” A police team is analyzing the contents of CCTV cameras installed in nearby establishments.

The police have also provided protection at the grotto.

Some 200 people gathered soon after news the spread the area. Father Sequeira said the incident has hurt the community because Mary revered figure and is the mother of Jesus Christ.

He said the community will wait for police action before launching any protest. “But if there is no progress in the police investigations in two or three days, we will decide on taking out a protest march,” he said.

Source: Times of India