Father Benedict Barla, principal of RC Boys Middle School, also known as St Michael's School, in Khunti, was critically injured in an alleged attack by unidentified assailants on Wednesday morning.
He was found unconscious and lying in a pool of blood inside his room on the school premises. The room was reportedly ransacked, with belongings scattered around. On learning about the incident, his colleagues, Father Nicholas and Sanjay, rushed him to Khunti Sadar Hospital. After initial treatment, he was referred to Pulse Hospital in Ranchi due to his critical condition, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
According to preliminary information, the attackers allegedly fired a shot before assaulting him with a sharp-edged weapon. However, police have not recovered any weapon from the spot so far. Investigators are examining CCTV footage, while an initial suspicion points to the involvement of three masked men who allegedly entered the school premises. The motive behind the attack remains unclear.
Khunti Superintendent of Police Rishabh Garg and other senior police officials visited the scene and reviewed the investigation. The SP said those responsible would not be spared and that efforts were underway to identify and apprehend the assailants.
Father Barla has reportedly been serving at the school for around 13 to 17 years.
The attack triggered widespread anger in Khunti, where residents blocked the road at Bhagat Singh Chowk and shops remained closed in protest. A large number of women also joined the demonstration, demanding the immediate arrest of those involved. Police have launched a detailed investigation into the incident.
Previous Attacks on Clergy in Jharkhand
The incident has also brought renewed attention to reports of attacks on Christian clergy and Catholic institutions in Jharkhand. Incidents involving churches in Simdega, including St Joseph's Church in October 2025 and Samsera Church on June 9, 2025, have previously drawn attention.
While some incidents have reportedly involved theft or robbery, others have been linked to allegations of communal hostility or forced religious conversions. Church representatives have expressed concerns over what they describe as recurring and potentially organised attacks, particularly in Christian-majority areas such as Simdega. Police investigations, however, have examined the circumstances and motives of individual incidents separately.