A house of worship belonging to the Presbyterian Church in Umdihar village, Ri Bhoi district was desecrated, vandalised and robbed apparently last night, church leaders said today.
Church elders do not rule out that the perpetrators might be drug users.
According to reports, unknown persons broke into the church by smashing a window. Besides cash and imported flower pots, miscreants stole valuables of the Christian Endeavour Society of the church by breaking the lock of a drawer.
Church elder R.B. Shadap told reporters that the incident was reported by the chowkidar who lives nearby. “This is the fourth or fifth time the church has faced such theft, and we suspect drug addicts might be involved,” he said.
He said earlier the church opted to remain silent and did not report the thefts. However, given the severity of the recent incident, church leaders reported the matter to the Umdihar dorbar and filed a FIR with the police.
“This incident has deeply affected the church elders, the Umdibar Presbyterian Christian Endeavour Society, the Jingiaseng Kynthei, and all church members physically, mentally, and spiritually. We believe the culprits will be brought to justice soon,” Shadap said.
Meanwhile, an emergency meeting was convened at the church this morning.
