New Delhi: The Baptist Church Trust Association based in the national capital has sought police protection after a mob attacked its school and hostels situated near Delhi Lieutenant-Governor’s residence.
According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed with the police, a mob of more than 80 people last week broke opened the doors, overpowered the guards at gunpoint and locked them. The intruders even tried to enter the girls’ hostel, dailypioneer.com reported August 25.
“Police reached the spot after being informed and arrested a few people after an FIR was lodged at Civil Lines police station. Motive seems to be illegally acquiring the 28 acres of land owned by the trust,” said a police officer.
Sumeet Nath, secretary-treasurer of the Church association, said the incident occurred on August 17. Police reached the spot and arrested 15-20 people immediately. He said the police released the accused later in the evening after registering a case. “We have written to the police top brass seeking protection from the hoodlums and land grabbers, Sumeet Nath added.
According to the CCTV footage and the FIR, the mob, including 40-45 women, barged into the school situated on Raj Niwas Marg. After ransacking the association’s office, the mob went to Stephen Thomas Girls Hostel. They overpowered the security guards and threatened to kill them if they raised alarm.
According to the FIR, the mob was led by Rajinder Singh, who allegedly had ulterior motives to grab the property.
The Church association, which employs more than 200 people, possesses controls the property. The association comes under its provincial body Ms Baptist Union of North India Registered (BUNI Regd).
The mob broke the door locks and pulled off the cord of the CCTVs. All their acts have, however, been captured in the CCTV footage.
“We fear that there are many powerful people and a very big criminal conspiracy behind such a daring act, just opposite the L-G house where quick reaction teams of police are always present round the clock due to security reasons,” Pastor. Solomon David, Secretary Treasurer, Baptist Union of North India (Regd), said.