According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), Pastor Paul Stephen was beaten with a heavy stone, his wife was assaulted in an attempted rape and his father-in-law, mother-in-law and brother-in-lawwere also attacked by Hindu nationalists.
The attack which occurred on 8th July has resulted in four arrests but a complaint against the pastor and his family has also been made, accusing the apparent victims of assault.
Responding to the incident, CSW's chief executive Mervyn Thomas said: "The treatment of Pastor Stephen and his family is deeply shocking and we urge the authorities to ensure that the perpetrators are held to account.
"The cycle of impunity around cases such as this must be broken to ensure that Indian citizens of all religions can exercise their right to practice their religion or belief without fear."
The charity has been informed that the violence against the family was carried out by the head of local Hindu extremist group Hindu Munnani (Hindu Front).
Nehemiah Christie, Director of Legislation & Regulations of the Synod of Pentecostal Churches in Tamil Nadu, said: "This shocking attack is an insult to the civil society of Tamil Nadu. The attempted rape of Prathiba Stephen is unacceptable, as is the following attack on Pastor Stephen, his wife and his family.
"We condemn this inhuman attack against innocent Christian believers, as well as the inaction of the Tamil Nadu authorities in dealing with the constant harassment instigated by Hindu Munnani in the run-up to the attack on 8th July. We hope that the authorities will now take seriously the concerns raised by civil society in both Tamil Nadu and wider Indian society."
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