Release International

Police accompanied by Hindu extremists have arrested the director of a hostel for boys in Karnataka, accusing him of forcing children to become Christians.

Pastor Hanuma Naik, who also leads a church, stands accused of offering food, shelter and education to boys at the Christian Ashram hostel as an 'allurement'. One of his Christian colleagues, Rama Naik, was also arrested.

Pastor Hanuma, who was released on bail soon after his arrest on August 28, said the allegations were false. He said the parents of all 42 students attending the hostel are fully aware that Christian teaching is part of its programme. He told Compass Direct news agency that Rama was slapped repeatedly by Hindu extremists at the time of their arrest.

Anti-conversion legislation is now in force in several Indian states – but not Karnataka.

(Source: Compass Direct)

• Ask God to protect Pastor Hanuma and Rama. Pray their ministry will continue.
• Pray against any bias in the Karnataka police force which might lead officers to side unjustly with Hindu extremists.

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