Senior Pastor abducted by Local Hindu Radicals in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh, India: January 01, 2010, (PCTV Newsdesk)

Karimnagar district, Andhra Pradesh: On 15th December 2009, at around 9.00 am Pastor S Devavaram (65) along with 15 youths were travelling to Pochaiah Street, Malayala Mandal, Karimnagar district to distribute Christmas handbills.

Pastor Devavaram had obtained permission from DSP (Deputy Superintendent of Police) in distributing Christmas handbilsl and in celebrating the birth of Christ. A vicious group of 20 Hindu radicals led by VHP leader Y Lakshminayaran Gowda, stopped the auto in which Pastor Devavaram was traveling along with 5 youths .The Radicals dragged the 65year old pastor out from the auto, accused him of conducting forced conversion and beat him mercilessly .Later they tied pastor’s hands and locked him and the 5 helpless youths in a room till 5.00 pm.

The remaining 10 youth on realizing what had happened quickly went to the Malayala Mandal Police Station and reported the abduction. Sub- Inspector along with four Constables arrived at the spot and Pastor Devavaram and the youths were taken to the police station for enquiry. The radicals had filed false complaints of forced conversion against pastor and his team ahead the abduction. The S.I. demanded to produce permission letter for distributing Christmas handbills and Pastor presented the permission letter he had acquired from DSP (Deputy Superintendent of Police).

Around 6.00 pm the S.I. took a written statement from the pastor and others and were released.

10 years ago, Pastor S Devavaram received salvation through Father Vijay Sagar. Since then he has been assisting Father Vijay Sagar in his ministry. Two years back he was put in charge of an independent house church and is ministering to 20 believers. Pastor is married and is blessed with two children.

Please pray for Pastor S Devavaram and his ministry.

News source: www.persecution.in