INDIA: Serious Charges Omitted In Attack On Pastor
1 May 08
Hindu nationalist-ruled Rajasthan closes investigation on Walter Masih case.
The Hindu nationalist government in Rajasthan state has closed a police investigation into a televised attack on pastor Walter Masih a year ago today after withdrawing the more serious charges against the accused.
The state government ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has refused to sanction prosecution under the more serious charges of the 14 Hindu extremists of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council or VHP), who were accused of attacking Pastor Masih with sticks and rods, leaving him bleeding profusely in the state capital, Jaipur.
Police had arrested 14 of the 20 alleged attackers in the April 29, 2007 assault and filed a case against them for rioting, causing hurt, trespassing and causing damage – but without including any charges related to religion-related offenses, which provide for stricter penal action.
The prosecution filed a charge sheet against the accused in a trial court in August 2007 but also acknowledged that some other charges were still pending. Later police added charges of hate speech, insulting a religion or religious beliefs and offensive statements made in a place of worship.
As required by law, police sought the state government’s sanction for prosecution of these charges, which would bring harsher sentences. At the same time, all of the accused were released on bail by the Rajasthan High Court.
Now the government has refused to give sanction for prosecution of the more serious charges, instead ordering closure of the investigation under the original charges.
Frustrated, Masih told CNN-IBN news channel that the government’s move amounted to protection of the attackers. “We want justice, please help us,” he said.
Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria told the channel, “It’s sad that just because he’s a Christian, so much undue importance is being given to this case.”
Source: Compass
- Pray that God will bring justice in this case.
- Pray that Walter Masih will not be discouraged from his faith in Jesus as a result of the actions taken.