Office-bearers of the Baptist Church Association (BCTA) have sought police protection after a mob of more than 80 people had attacked a school and hostels run by the BCTA near the Delhi lieutenant-Governor’s residence Raj Niwas in north Delhi area last week. According to the First Information Report (FIR), the mob broke opened the doors, overpowered the guards at gunpoint and locked them and even tried to enter the girls’ hostel.
“Police reached the spot after being informed and arrested a few people after an FIR was lodged at Civil lines police station. Motive seems to be illegally acquiring the 28 acres of land owned by the trust,” said a police officer.
Speaking about the incident, Sumeet Nath, secretary-Treasurer BCTA said, “The incident happened on the morning of August 17 at around 7.00 am. Police reached the spot and arrested 15-20 people immediately. We have been informed that police has verified the accused and released them same night and registered a case under sections 448/453/34”. We have written to the police top brass seeking protection from the hoodlums and land grabbers, Sumeet Nath added.
According to the CCTV footage and the FIR, around 80-90 people, including 40-45 women barged into our premises no 21 Raj Niwas Marg, at the office of Baptist Church Trust Association (BCTA) and thereafter they proceeded towards Stephen Thomas Girls Hostel owned and managed by the BCTA. They over powered the security guards on gun-point and locked them in a room threatening them to kill in case they raised any alarm.
As per the case registered, the mob was led by Rajinder Singh having the ulterior motives to grab the property. BCTA is in possession and control of the said property and around more than 200 staff members are working in BCTA and its provincial body by the name of Ms Baptist Union of North India Registered (BUNI Regd).
They overpowered the security guards, broke the door locks and also tried to damage the CCTV cameras and pulled off the cord of the CCTVs. All their acts have, however, been captured in the CCTV footage.
“We fear that there are many powerful people and a very big criminal conspiracy behind such a daring act, just opposite the l-G house where quick reaction teams of police are always present round the clock due to security reasons,” Pastor. Solomon David, Secretary Treasurer, Baptist Union of North India (Regd), further added.