Bangalor (Karnataka): An independent pastor in the district of Devagere in the state was severely beaten by militant Hindus on June 11, according to reports.

Pastor Sundar Rao was holding a prayer meeting in his sister's home when as many as 150 people surrounded the house. As he attempted to leave the meeting, Rao was dragged to the local police station where he was forced to sign a blank paper. They also told Rao that the land he had purchased for a church building would be used for a Hindu temple instead.

While at the police station, some of the militants beat the pastor as police merely looked on and said nothing. Around midnight, the police apparently asked Rao to leave the station. He refused, knowing the mob was waiting outside for him.

At 3.30 the following afternoon, the police released him without offering any protection. They crowd outside the station severely beat him. Even after he managed to get on a bus, the crowd stopped the bus and resumed their abuse. Rao was hospitalised with internal injuries and multiple contusions.

When Rao's wife went to the police station the next day, June 13, the police refused to accept a formal complaint. Having no other alternative, she travelled to the police district headquarters in Devangere where she was able to file her complaint. At last reports there have been no arrests.