Update: Missionaries Who Were Attacked in Mumbai Later Deported for Visa Violations

June 13, 2005

Source: BBC News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4088594.stm

On June 13, 2005 BBC News reported, "Four American missionaries have been asked to leave India for what police say is a violation of visa regulations.

The missionaries were attacked by a Hindu mob in India's western city Mumbai (Bombay) on Saturday evening during a Bible reading session.

Police said three of them were treated for bruises and cuts in a hospital.

One of the assailants was released on bail after allegedly abducting one of the missionaries who are accused of trying to convert local Hindus.

Police told the BBC that the men entered India on tourist visas, but were found preaching religion.

They say two of them have already left Mumbai, and the other two are waiting to catch the next available flight.

Police say a group of local Hindus beat up the missionaries, because they angered over their attempts to convert local Hindus.

But the missionaries told the police they were only holding a Bible reading session."