BHOPAL: A church was set ablaze by some unidentified people in Mandla district on Friday night after they broke open its gates.
Incident took place at Pakritola Ghutas village and heavy police force has been deployed in the village after the case was reported on Saturday morning.
"A case has been registered under relevant sections. Prima facie it seems to be work of some elements who committed the crime after getting inebriated. We have launched a hunt to nab the accused," Mandla SP Gaurav Rajput told TOI.
"Police personnel have been deployed in the village to avoid any flare up," Rajput said.
Sources said religious books, furniture, musical instruments etc and all things kept in the church were gutted.
Four empty bottles of alcohol were also found near a hand-pump in front of the church, added sources.
"There are around 50 families of the community in the village and around 200-250 people gather for Friday prayers but there has never been any dispute till now. In charge priest also ruled out any dispute or enmity with anyone," Bicchia police station in charge, Ramesh Shakya told TOI.
"There is no law and order situation in the village, but precautionary measures are being taken," he said.
Church set ablaze in Mandla district - The Times of India