Haryana Police says they have arrested the main accused in the vandalisation of an under-construction church in a village in Hisar district.
“The main accused Anil Godara has been arrested from Hisar today,” Hisar SP Saurabh Singh told PTI over phone.
He said that the accused will be produced before a court and police would seek his remand.
“Further investigations in the case are under progress and search is on for remaining accused,” he added.
An under-construction church in Kaimri village near Hisar was vandalised by a group and the cross replaced with an idol of Hanuman on March 6, triggering tension in the area.
The complainant, Father Subhash Chand of Williwarsh church, has reportedly told police that the vandals broke the cross and installed a statue of Hanuman and a flag depicting Lord Ram. They also threatened to kill Father Chand.
It was alleged that they stole a cooler and some items from the church.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar had earlier told reporters that action will be taken against those who had allegedly vandalised the church.
Khattar had said that an FIR has been registered on the statement of church priest Subhash Chand, against several persons including Anil Godara, Dalbir Singh, Raj Kumar, Kuldeep, Satpal, Krishan, Suresh, Dinesh, Jogender, Kulwant, Sudhir, Bijender, Satnarain and Chhotu Ram.
Khattar had told the Assembly yesterday that the building was reportedly built in an illegal colony and the vandalisation was the result of an altercation between the priest and those who attacked the place of worship.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed his concern over the incident and asked for an immediate report on the facts and action taken.
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