A mob in Khamardih, Chhattisgarh, vandalised a church and attacked churchgoers leaving at least five injured on Sunday, reported ANI. Chhattisgarh Christian Forum President Arun Pannalal said around 40-50 people had gathered to pray in a house church in the town, when a mob of around 10-12 people, wearing saffron bandanas and shouting "Jai Shri Ram", barged in and started beating people up with sticks. Even women and children were roughed up in the assault.

The police has detained the attackers. However, this is not the first time this kind of violence has taken place here. "This is the fourth attack on churchgoers in Chhattisgarh in the past five weeks. We are trying to get a First Information Report filed," Pannalal said.

The congregation that was attacked is not affiliated to any church. Pannalal said that it sprung up spontaneously after a group of people decided to meet and pray to Christ. A pastor from Maharashtra comes and visits the neighbourhood every few weeks to facilitate such meetings.