Nagpur: Fr. Sudheer, the Malayali priest from the CSI South Kerala Diocese Nagpur Mission, has issued a statement regarding his arrest following allegations by Bajrang Dal activists of religious conversion during Christmas celebrations. Speaking to the media, Fr. Sudheer termed the incident a "planned attack."
"I have faced threats to my life from the BJP, Shiv Sena, and Bajrang Dal in the past," he said. He noted that these threats occurred while he was interacting with Christian believers. He clarified that he has never trespassed into the spaces of other religious groups. "I do not wish to elaborate further on the threats to my life given the specific political situation," Fr. Sudheer added.
"Is there no freedom even to sing Christmas carols? I don't understand what wrong I committed," he questioned. He pointed out that cases were registered even against those who came to help them. He alleged that Bajrang Dal activists attacked these helpers, inflicted injuries, demanded money, and attempted to seize their vehicles. "It is a terrifying situation," Fr. Sudheer noted.
He alleged that the police denied him humanitarian consideration while in custody. "I was not allowed to wear my clerical vestments. Police officers asked, 'Did you use church vestments? Did you hold a Bible?'"
"Hindus and Muslims can wear their religious attire. But a Bishop, priest, or nun is told not to wear theirs. This is a type of double standard," Fr. Sudheer said. He further alleged that the police told him not to read the Bible. "Am I not allowed to read the Bible or read it aloud to others?" he asked.
Fr. Sudheer’s wife, Jasmine, stated that they went out for gospel work and will continue to spread the gospel as long as God provides the opportunity.
The Maharashtra Police arrested the Malayali priest and his family based on a complaint by Bajrang Dal activists alleging forced religious conversion during Christmas celebrations. A total of 12 people, including Fr. Sudheer and Jasmine, were arrested.
Fr. Sudheer, a native of Amaravila in Thiruvananthapuram, has been serving in Maharashtra for five years. The other ten people arrested are natives of Maharashtra. On Wednesday, a court granted conditional bail to Fr. Sudheer, Jasmine, and six locals.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night at a house in Singodi, Nagpur (Amravati Tehsil). Bajrang Dal activists interrupted a prayer meeting, created a conflict, and handed the group over to the police. Reports indicate the group has been victims of Sangh Parivar attacks in the past as well.
Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan has sent letters to the Prime Minister and the Maharashtra Chief Minister regarding the arrest of the Malayali priest, his wife, and six others.
In his letter, Satheesan termed the incident "deeply disturbing" and raised serious concerns about the violation of fundamental rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution to profess, practice, and propagate religion. "Arresting individuals for conducting a peaceful prayer meeting is unconstitutional and against the spirit of our democratic and secular values," Satheesan stated, registering strong protest on behalf of the people of Kerala.