Clash at Catholic Prayer Meeting in Banswara; Four Arrested

Jaipur, May 4, 2026: Police arrested four people following a confrontation during a Catholic prayer gathering in Kalinjara village of Kushalgarh tehsil, Banswara district.

According to police and local sources, the incident occurred around 6.30 pm on Friday when a group of 12–13 men entered a novena prayer and Eucharistic gathering attended by nearly 70 Catholics. The group questioned participants and accused them of engaging in religious conversion, said parish priest Fr. Arvind Amliyar. Members of a Hindu Sena group claimed they acted on information regarding alleged cow slaughter and conversion activities.

The situation escalated as both sides exchanged heated words, leading to a scuffle. Reports indicated panic among attendees after one individual was allegedly seen carrying a large knife. The men who entered the gathering later fled the scene, reportedly leaving behind a few motorcycles. Police reached the spot soon after.

Banswara Superintendent of Police Sudhir Joshi stated that the situation is now under control and that an investigation is underway, with evidence collected from the site.

Fr. Amliyar alleged that police action was one-sided, claiming that four Catholics, including a retired principal and three youths, were initially detained. He further stated that attempts to register a complaint were unsuccessful, after which a written complaint was submitted under Section 154 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Police have not confirmed allegations regarding refusal to register a First Information Report. No injuries were reported among those present at the prayer service.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident, while videos circulating on social media show portions of the confrontation without presenting the full sequence of events.

Clash at Catholic Prayer Meeting in Banswara; Four Arrested

Latest News