Ratlam: Ratlam city on 7 September 2008 woke with the shocking news that 86 year old Barthlomio, CNI Church at Railway Colony is completely burnt down by suspected members of Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad workers. "We beautifully decorated to celebrate the 86th Anniversary on 7 September 2008 and now only walls are left, everything is burnt down," said 75 year old David in tears. The watchman Noel said he did not know that the Church was being set fire till someone from the neighbouring community woke him up. The district collector has ordered a magisterial enquiry into the matter.

It is estimated that around Rs 8 lakh has been lost in the fire. This Church is the only English Church in this district where most of the members are above senior citizen and retired railway employees.

Pastor Jose Mathew said, "On 15 August 2008 the VHP and Bajrang Dal members following a complaint filed by Batti, a neighbour, attacked a youth meeting held here. They beat up many participants including Pastor Satya, his wife and Murthy, the district manager of World Vision, an NGO. Later the police without any enquiry charged them with attempt to conversion.

Investigating officer and Additional Superintend of Police, Ratlam, Manish Agarwal said, "The police have filed an FIR under section 295 and 436 of the IPC. We are investigating the case and we do not know whether the VHP or Bajrang Dal is involved in the case." The Church was completely built on wood, so it caused total damage to the church. The VHP and Bajrang Dal denied the allegation saying the Church was burnt due a short circuit. But the local Christian residents said at least five hours was needed to burn down the entire structure, so the short circuit story would not hold water.    

District president of the Madhya Pradesh Isai Mahasangh Lalu Stephan said, "The entire episode is planned and it is done by the VHP and Bajrangdal. There is no doubt about their involvement in the entire episode."

The political affairs committee of the MP Isai Mahasang met in Bhopal under the leadership of Richard D'Silva and KJ Kurian to take various steps to draw a strategy to review the situation in the State. Madhya Pradesh Isai Mahasangh expressed deep concern over the burning of the church in Ratlam.

A Christian meeting called in Ratlam has decided to hold a rally on 8 September from the burnt Church to the Collectorate in Ratlam. Meanwhile local MP and Minister of State for Agriculture Kantilal Buria said, "I will do every thing possible to maintain the law and order in Ratlam. I have already initiated steps to maintain peace."

The Catholic Bishops Council of Madhya Pradesh expressed great grief over the situation. Fr  Anand Muttungal has “called for an independent enquiry. A team will be visiting the site tomorrow to assess the situation. Then a plan of action will be drawn.”