Two Priests Injured During Burglary at Church in Tumdegi, Jharkhand

Tumdegi, Jharkhand, October 1, 2025: Two priests were seriously injured when twelve masked assailants stormed St. Joseph Church in Tumdegi, Simdega district, early Wednesday morning, physically assaulting the clergy and looting cash and valuables worth several lakhs of rupees. The attack has sparked concerns over public safety and the targeting of religious institutions.

The victims, Father Dean Thomas Soreng, a senior priest, and Father Emmanuel Baghwar, a young priest involved in youth guidance, sustained serious injuries and were immediately admitted to a nearby health centre. Both are currently stable, though church authorities have noted the psychological impact of the attack on the clergy and the community.

Although the motive of the attack appears to be theft, the deliberate targeting of a religious institution has raised serious concerns about communal harmony and public safety. Father Patras Marki, who submitted the incident report, emphasised the need for an urgent investigation into the attack.

The local Catholic community has strongly condemned the violence, appealing for prompt administrative action to identify and arrest the perpetrators, strengthen church security, and provide medical and psychological support to the victims.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

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