Protests Erupt in Khunti After Attack on School Principal and Priest
Protests in Khunti following an attack on a school principal and priest demand immediate arrests and justice for the victims.
Khunti, October 21 (Daily Kiran) : Hundreds of members from tribal and Christian communities took to the streets in Khunti, Jharkhand, on Wednesday to protest against a brutal attack on Father Benedict Barla, the principal of RC Boys Middle School and a priest associated with St. Michael’s Church.
The demonstration began around 10:30 AM when protesters blocked the main Bhagat Singh Chowk, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for the assault. The blockade continued until 4:30 PM, disrupting traffic on the Ranchi-Khunti-Chaibasa road.
Protesters called for accountability, insisting that their movement would persist until the attackers were apprehended. Khunti’s Superintendent of Police, Rishabh Garg, along with ASP Christopher Kerketta, arrived at the scene to initiate an investigation. Father Barla received initial treatment at Khunti Sadar Hospital before being transferred to another facility for further care.
The incident occurred early Wednesday morning around 8:30 AM. According to Father Nicholas of the RC Church, a woman arriving at the school discovered Father Barla injured and covered in blood. She promptly informed others at the parish house about the situation.
Authorities are currently searching for the unidentified woman who first found the priest. Investigators noted that the school office was in disarray, with signs that attempts had been made to clean blood stains from the hallway.
Police are also examining Father Barla’s mobile phone, which was recovered from the scene. Superintendent Garg revealed that CCTV footage indicates the attack happened around 9 PM on Tuesday night, as Father Barla regularly inspected the premises in the evening.
Investigators suspect that two or three assailants ambushed him, leading to his unconscious state. The attackers reportedly fled, believing him to be dead. The CCTV footage has captured three young suspects, and efforts are underway to identify them.
Dr. Akhilesh reported that Father Barla sustained a circular wound beneath his left ear. The cause of the injury remains unclear, with investigators working to determine if it was inflicted by a bullet or another object.
The police are pursuing leads based on CCTV footage, evidence collected from the scene, and other circumstances surrounding the attack. The motive behind the assault and the identities of the assailants have yet to be established.
