Hindu radicals have attacked a Pastor and his wife near Thiruvalli police station at Mananthavady in Wayanad district of Kerala.

Pastor TC Joseph (57) and his wife Ammini (50) were attacked at their residence at 2.30 am on 14 October 2007. The attackers first disconnected the phone and power supply, broke open the door of their house and beat them up. The couple were later taken to hospital with severe injuries.

The Pastor has been living in the village, working among tribal people and pastoring the New India Bible Church for the past 15 years. He is also associated with the compassion ministries and helping poor people.

Hindu United Forum, a militant body, had held a meeting a few weeks ago and declared a march to the pastor's residence if conversion continued in the area. However the Forum denied any involvement in the attack.

The police rushed to the spot and arrested two persons in connection with the attack. The police are searching for other culprits. All India Christian Council Kerala Chapter condemned the attack and demanded immediate arrest of all the criminals. Christian Council coordinator Zac John sought full protection of Christian workers in the State.