A group of drunken Hindu nationalists brutally beat a 26-year-old pastor in southern India who had been falsely accused of “forcibly” converting five families. It was an attempt to murder, the victim’s wife says. Pastor Banothu Sevya was in a coma for two days following the attack by masked men near Jamandlapalli village in Telangana state last month while he was returning from a prayer meeting on a motorcycle, Morning Star News reported Sunday. “They pushed me off the bike and started beating me
with sticks and kicking me,” the pastor was quoted as saying. “My nose and ears were bleeding. I lost my consciousness.” Local rightwing Hindus had threatened and warned the pastor against “converting” tribal families in his village. “Most Banjaras (aboriginals) say they get afflicted by evil spirits,” the pastor explained. “They want them to be sent away. Some want to be healed, some need the Lord’s help in their pursuits to get educated. I share the gospel and pray for them. We witnessed the Lord doing miracles among them. He does not forsake anyone who comes to Him.” CONTINUE
