Jharkhand: Robbery at Simdega Church, Assault on Priests by Masked Criminals

An act of brazen criminality has unfolded in the Mufassil police station area of Simdega district, Jharkhand. A group of approximately 10-12 masked criminals, armed with weapons, stormed the Tumdegi Church, perpetrating a robbery and assault. The perpetrators made off with around 3.50 lakh rupees during the incident. When the Dean and Parish Priest of the church, Thomas Soreng, and Assistant Parish Priest Emmanuel Baghwar, attempted to resist, the criminals launched a violent attack, inflicting serious injuries. Both injured individuals were promptly taken to the Simdega District Sadar Hospital for medical treatment, where they are under the care of the Civil Surgeon. The event occurred late Tuesday night, prompting a swift response from authorities. The SP of Simdega district, along with the DSP and SDPO, and other officials, visited the hospital to gather information from the victims. Police are currently conducting a thorough investigation into the matter and have intensified efforts to apprehend the suspects. The robbery and assault have sent shockwaves throughout the district, with local residents and public representatives calling on the administration to swiftly arrest the perpetrators and to increase police patrols to ensure the safety of religious sites and rural communities. This is not the first instance of a church being targeted in Simdega district. In June 2025, five masked criminals robbed the Samsera Church in the Bolba police station area at gunpoint, stealing approximately six lakh rupees. During that incident, individuals were brutally beaten, and forced to chant religious slogans. These recurring attacks on religious institutions have sparked widespread concern among the local population, presenting a significant challenge to the administration and the police force.