By Sujata Jena

Bhubaneswar, June 4, 2023: After a group of robbers has looted a parish in Odisha’s Sambalpur diocese and wounded its priest, a bishop has issued an 11-point guideline on security measures his people should adopt.

According to information received in Bhubaneswar, the state capital, six masked men at 3 am on May 31 broke into Amlikhaman parish church under the diocese of Sambalpur and threatened five priests and a relative of a priest sleeping in the presbytery.

The parish is some 90 km northeast of Sambalpur town, some 275 km northwest of Bhubaneswar.

The miscreants allegedly demanded money from the priests threatening them with gunshots. They attacked parish priest Father Sushil Kerketta, who sustained head injuries.

They allegedly took 500,000 rupees in cash from Father Kerketta, 175,000 from another priest, 10,000 rupees each from two other priests, and 1,200 rupees from the layperson. They also carried away a dish TV.

In the tussle, the parish priest was injured and the police took him to a hospital in Kuchinda, 28 km south of the parish, for first aid.

The police have also registered a case, launched a probe and searched various places led by officer Raj Kishore Mishra.

The diocese has corroborated the incident and Bishop Niranjan Sualsingh of Sambalpur diocese on June 2 circulated an 11-point guideline among parishes and religious communities stressing the need to adapt security and precautionary measures.

The prelate wants everyone to refrain from opening the door at late-night hours, especially when unexpected visitors arrive. Instead, they should communicate through mobile phones to verify visitors’ identity or purpose.

The priests, and religious and people living in their institutions should remain alert and report any suspicious activity to the parish authorities promptly.

They must avoid sharing sensitive information or discussing the parish’s financial matters with strangers or untrusted individuals, the bishop’s directive says.

If the Church people notice any suspicious individuals or activity, they should immediately inform the local police station and notify the parish administration, it adds.

Another instruction is to install CCTV cameras in all presbyteries and convents without delay, and appoint night watchmen.

The bishop also wants his people to create a neighborhood vigilant group with people around and develop a quick warning system, such as calling a neighbor or ringing the church bell.

He wants presbyteries and convents to not keep valuable things or money in large quantity at one a one place. Parishes and other church institutions should lock gates and grills securely.

Bishop Sualsingh urges his people to maintain open lines of communication with fellow residents and stay updated on any security concerns or developments.

“In case of any unfortunate event they must inform the local police and file an FIR. Not to destroy any evidence and seal the place,” he says.