Attack on missionaries: 8 policemen suspended

Eight police officers have been suspended for failing to prevent an attack by Hindu nationalists on a vehicle carrying Christian missionaries in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district. The action was taken after a video of the incident on October 23 went viral on social media.

The attack took place when the missionaries from Kerala were returning from a meal at a house in Jutana village. A group of around ten people armed with sticks and sharp weapons stopped the bus and attacked it. Jutana village falls under the jurisdiction of the Jakhole police post in Raj Bagh police station area of ​​Kathua district. The video clearly shows the policemen standing by as spectators, not trying to stop the violence, despite being present at the scene. The assailants stormed the bus, which was carrying 10 to 15 passengers, and beat up those inside. Screams, including those of women, can be heard from inside the vehicle. Only one person tried to open the door and stop the attacker, but he was unsuccessful.

After examining the video footage, Kathua Senior Superintendent of Police Mohita Sharma, the in-charge of the Jakhole police post, suspended eight police officers with immediate effect. Action was taken against the officers for dereliction of duty. An FIR was also registered against about ten assailants.