VHP activists beat up two priests

INDIA'S TALIBAN: The priests were dragged to a police station after they were beaten up by VHP activists.

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Keywords: Maharashtra, Christanity

Kolhapur (Maharashtra): In a shocking attack, two priests from Ichalkaranji, in Maharashtra's Kolhapur district, were severely beaten up by Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) activists.

The VHP activists alleged that the priests were engaged in converting Hindus to Christianity.

The priests were dragged to the local police station after they were mercilessly beaten up in full public view.

Even more shockingly, the police detained the priests but took no action against the activists who beat them up.

"It's highly shameful. It's as if the Bajrang Dal does just not understand the concept of law and order," said Congress leader Rajiv Shukla, reacting sharply to the incident.

"A high-level probe has been ordered into the incident . The guilty will get the strongest possible punishment," said Mahrashtra Home Minister, R R Patil.

Last week, a pastor in Jaipur was attacked by a right wing group for preaching Christianity. The police felt that time that the presence of media cameras added fuel to the fire.

Five people were arrested in connection with the attack. The attack - allegedly by VHP, Bajrang Dal activists - took place on Sunday triggering off protests by student and Christian groups in Jaipur.

More arrests are likely in the case.