By Aliza Noor
Joshua Jose Thomas (22) never thought a Sunday church service in his hometown, Kawardha in Chhattisgarh would take such an untoward turn.
Over a week ago, Bajrang Dal members, colluding with Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) disrupted a Sunday prayer service on allegations of illegal conversions and assaulted Joshua’s family. But the local police, instead, arrested his father, who is a pastor.
Joshua’s family — his father, Jose Thomas (56) mother, Liji Thomas (46) and two younger brothers, Joel Thomas (19) and Joseph Thomas (18) — are Malayali Christians who shifted from Kerala to Kawardha in Kabirdham district around 35 years ago. Joshua and his siblings were born and raised here.
This is not the first time their family has been harassed, alleged Joshua, who is at present residing in another city.
This story was originally published in thequint.com. Read the full story here.