Attacks on churches spread to Bangalore

BANGALORE: Four more churches were today vandalized in Karnataka as the attacks spread to Bangalore where three places of worship became the target, two days after the Centre served an advisory to the BJP government asking it to rein in the violence.

Three churches in Bangalore city came under attack in the wee hours while another church was attacked in Kodagu district last night.

The fresh incidents have come as an embarrassment to the BJP government as it had assured round-the-clock protection to ensure trouble-free Sunday prayers.

Stung by the spate of attacks on churches at Mariyannanapalya, Rajarajeswarinagar, Banaswadi localities in the city and at Nelliyahudikeri in Kodagu district, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa alleged said "the attacks were an organised conspiracy by those who did not wish peace to return to the state".

In the face of opposition parties demanding action against Sangh Parivar outfits, VHP today said neither it nor Bajrang Dal was involved in the attacks.

State Home Minister Dr V S Acharya, who also has come under attack from the opposition which demanded his resignation, said "responsibility will be fixed and action will be taken against police where incidents of attacks have happened".