Rajahmundry: Alleged distribution of copies of Bible and Christian literature in the Government Junior College by members of a church-based group from Eluru kicked off a row between the college Principal and leaders of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Hindu Dharma Prachar Samiti at Buttaigudem village in West Godavari district.
A US-based Christian missionary, with support from the members of a church in Eluru, allegedly distributed copies of the Bible and Christian literature in Government Junior College on November 18. After learning about this, several activists led by VHP district president B. Subba Rao and Hindu Dharma Prachar Samiti secretary A. Murali Krishna arrived at the college, and raised objections and called for the boycott of classes.
There was a heated argument between the leaders and the college principal G. Jayaraju. The leaders alleged that the college principal had allowed the distribution of copies of the Bible and Christian literature while classes were going on. Shri Jayaraju clarified that he did not give permission for anyone to distribute any material, and said that they could have distributed them when students came out from classes for recess.
Unconvinced at the response, VHP leaders squatted on the road and raised slogans calling for action against those who were resorting to distribution of religious material. Meanwhile, police intervened and tried to pacify both parties. VHP activists lodged a complaint with police against the principal for allowing religious activity in the college.
College Principal Jayaraju also lodged a complaint with police saying that the VHP activists had tried to obstruct classes and targeted him personally, as he was a Dalit. Next day, activists of the Kula Vivaksha Porata Samiti, Yerukula Hakkula Porata Samiti and Ambedkar Yuvajana Sangham took out a procession supporting the college Principal, and submitted a memorandum to the mandal revenue officer.
Jangareddigudem deputy superintendent of police Ch. Rama Rao said, ?We booked cases against both parties, based on their complaints. We are verifying facts and will take action against the culprits after an enquiry report. At present, there is no tension on the campus.?
