Indian evangelist killed, sacrificed for Hindu 'Goddess'

An evangelist in the North Indian state of Madhya Pradesh was killed by Hindu priests suspected of seeking human sacrifices for a Hindu "goddess" in the latest in a series of attacks against Christians in the country.

According to the Global Council of Indian Christians, Vipin Mandloli, 27, was shot dead near Aamkut village in the Jhabua District, Madhya Pradesh.

Mandloi, who works as a shepherd in his spare time, left his home on Oct. 14 to a nearby mountain to graze his sheep near a Hindu temple.

"There was a new temple of Kali, the 'goddess' of the Hindus, and he was in its premises," reported GCIC president Sajan K. George. "Three 'Pujaris,' or Hindu priests, came there and they shot and killed Vipin Mandloi with a ... pistol."

GCIC alleged that the Hindu priests were angry that Mandloi had become a Christian after falling victim to alcohol abuse and a failed marriage. According to the advocacy group, Mandloi transformed to a very devoted Christian and even supported the churches and evangelists in the locality.

"The 'goddess' Kali is a bloodthirsty 'goddess' and she is even given human sacrifice," said George, "so it is suspected that the priests found this an opportune time to kill the evangelist as they were already upset with his decision of accepting Christ."

There has been growing concern about attacks against Christians in the same region. With an investigation in the process, GCIC hopes justice will be rendered to the family.