Headline Catholic Priests, Nuns, Catechist Ambushed by Bajrang Dal Mob in Jaleswar, Odisha

 

Headline

Catholic Priests, Nuns, Catechist Ambushed by Bajrang Dal Mob in Jaleswar, Odisha

Dateline:

Jaleswar, Odisha — August 7, 2025

Lead

In a disturbing and premeditated attack, approximately 70 members of the Bajrang Dal ambushed two Catholic priests, a catechist, and two nuns near Gangadhar village under Jaleswar Parish. The victims were ambushed on the evening of August 6 following a peaceful requiem Mass, falsely accused of engaging in forced religious conversions. Catholic Connnect

Details of the Incident

  1. The Circumstances
    The group—including Fr. Lijo Nirappel (Parish Priest of Jaleswar), Fr. V. Jojo (from Joda Parish), two nuns, and a catechist—had conducted a requiem Mass and fellowship meal, after which they were leaving the village. Around 5 p.m., as the mission station visit concluded and the planting season drew local villagers back into the fields, the group departed. Catholic Connnect

  2. The Ambush
    On a narrow, forested road about half a kilometre from the village, the mob launched a brutal attack: the catechist was beaten, his motorcycle dismantled and drained of fuel. The priests and nuns were physically assaulted—punched, pulled out, mobile phones snatched—and falsely accused of attempting forced conversions under the cover of “making them Americans.” Despite pleas from villagers clarifying the group's benign purpose, the attack continued. Catholic Connnect

  3. Police Arrival and Aftermath
    Roughly 45 minutes into the ordeal, police officers—one female constable and two male officers—arrived. While the priests informed them that their phones had been seized, none were returned. The police escorted the group to the local station “for inquiry,” effectively rescuing them from further violence. Catholic Connnect

  4. Voices of Shock and Concern
    Fr. Lijo expressed deep distress, noting:

    “I never imagined something like this could happen in Jaleswar… we were simply performing a prayer service for grieving families, and we were attacked and humiliated on baseless allegations.” Catholic Connnect
    He also lamented how “media houses are complicit … they don’t verify facts—they just amplify what the mob says.” Catholic Connnect

  5. Institutional Response
    At the time of reporting, no First Information Report (FIR) had been registered. The priests awaited the arrival of their bishop, Most Rev. Varghese Thottamkara. Catholic Connnect

Conclusion

This brazen and violent assault on religious workers conducting a simple prayer service underscores escalating tensions and religious intolerance in parts of India. The absence of immediate legal action or clear protection for those targeted not only raises serious concerns about personal safety, but also about the erosion of communal harmony and freedom of worship.

Source & Credits:
This report is based on coverage by Catholic Connect, particularly the article titled: “Catholic Priests, Nuns, Catechist Attacked by Bajrang Dal Mob in Jaleswar, Odisha”, published on August 7, 2025.

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