A mob vandalised a Catholic church and desecrated sacred religious articles in Dengaswargi village of Rayagada district, Odisha, on the evening of March 3. The incident occurred in the territory of the Diocese of Rayagada after villagers allegedly confronted three Catholic families living in the village.
A large crowd gathered around 7 p.m. and demanded that the families step out of their homes, according to sources who spoke to Catholic Connect. Fearing a possible assault, the families remained indoors. Shortly afterwards, the mob allegedly broke open the door of St. Paula Montal Chapel and entered the church premises.
Church authorities said the altar, cross and several sacred items, including Bibles and vestments, were taken outside and burned. Statues, liturgical items, chairs, electrical fittings and the church dome were also damaged, with losses estimated at ₹1.93 lakh.
Following the incident, an FIR was filed on March 4 at the JK Pur Police Station on the advice of Bishop Aplinar Senapati. Police later visited the village and recorded statements from both parties.
Police officials and local administrators facilitated a temporary peace understanding between the two sides. Authorities have assured the affected families of protection while the investigation continues, sources said.