Catholic Priests Helpless After Violent Church Robbery
In the early hours of June 15, a violent robbery at Jhorabahal parish in Rourkela, Odisha, left two Catholic priests severely injured, sparking concerns about the safety of the Christian minority in the region. Masked assailants, numbering around 15 and armed with iron rods, crowbars, and hockey sticks, forcefully entered the priests’ residence. They subjected Father Nerial Bilung, 72, and Father Alois Xalxo, 52, to a brutal assault, restraining them with handcuffs and gagging them before beating them severely. The attackers also stole mobile phones, cash amounting to over Rs 10 lakh (approximately $11,958), musical instruments, and financial records during their rampage that lasted an hour.
Father Bilung, who suffered severe bleeding and lost consciousness, recounted that the assailants wore masks and spoke in Bihari sadri. Father Xalxo managed to free himself around 4:30 am and sought help from others on the church campus. Both priests were hospitalized and are reported to be in stable condition.
The incident has drawn attention to broader concerns about the safety of Christians in Odisha, where they constitute a minority amid a Hindu-majority population. Father Ajay Kumar Singh, a priest and human rights activist, highlighted that this attack marks the fifth in the region over the past two years, referencing previous incidents of vandalism and assaults targeting Christian symbols. He expressed frustration over the challenges in apprehending the perpetrators.
Despite initial statements from local authorities dismissing communal motives, Bishop Kishore Kumar Kujur of Rourkela expressed skepticism, emphasizing the severity of the assault necessitates a thorough investigation. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) condemned the attack and called for justice, urging the government to bolster security measures for the Christian minority nationwide.
This incident underscores ongoing tensions and periodic outbreaks of violence against Christians in Odisha, with historical precedents like the 2008 Kandhamal violence highlighting the vulnerability of the community. The diocese has filed a police complaint, and investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the assault and robbery at Jhorabahal parish.