Caught on Camera: Man With Machete Chases Priest Inside Church in Karnataka

CCTV Footage of the incident

(Photo: The Quint)

In a shocking incident, a man was caught on CCTV camera, entering a achurch premises in Belagavi, Karnataka with a machete and chasing Father Francis D'souza, the church-in-charge.

Father D'souza can be seen trying to move away as he spots the intruder, but he follows him for a bit, before fleeing later.

The footage also shows the 30-year-old man carrying a wire.

Speaking to The News Minute (TNM), Father Francis said that he went outside to check on his dog which is when the man, who was hiding there, attacked him.

Commissioner of Police K Thiyagarajan told TNM that the accused is intellectually disabled and that prima facie the attack was not politically motivated.

Following a complaint, security has been provided at the church and an investigation has been initiated.

J A Kanthraj, a spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Bangalore has called the incident "dangerous and disturbing".

This latest attack against minorities in Karnataka, comes shortly before the Assembly Winter Session is set to begin, where a Bill which prevents religious conversion is to be tabled.

The bill has been opposed by Opposition parties and minority religious groups, especially the Christian community.

Karnataka CM Basavaraj S Bommai had said that the state will table a law against religious conversions after meeting with 30 Hindu religious leaders in September, 2021.