Mob Beats Principal of Indian Private School Over Claims He Recited Christian Prayer

The mob was comprised of parents and suspected Hindu nationalist activists

A mob brutally beat the principal of a private school in the Indian state of Maharashtra last week over claims the educator had led his students in the recitation of a Christian prayer.

The Christian Post reports that the mob consisted of parents and suspected Hindu nationalist activists, who have grown increasingly vocal — and violent — in their opposition of Christianity and Islam in India.

The victim was Principal Alexander Reid of the D. Y. Patil High School in the village of Talegaon Dabhade last Tuesday.

The mob attack was reportedly mobilized by Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, two Hindu nationalist groups, according to UCA News.

According to a video of the shocking event, the assailants chanted “Har Har Mahadev” or “Hail, lord Shiva” as they attacked Dabhade.

Although an investigation has been launched, neither the victim nor the school have issued formal complaints against any of the attackers.

“Only some parents have given us a complaint against the principal and we have not yet filed a case against anyone,” police inspector Ranjit Sawant reportedly said later in the week. “We will take preventive action against those who assaulted the principal.”