Jammu, October 25, 2025 – A shocking video of a mob attacking a vehicle carrying Christian religious preachers from Kerala has ignited outrage in Kathua district, leading to the suspension of eight police personnel – including a sub-inspector and seven special police officers (SPOs) – for dereliction of duty, as confirmed by SSP Kathua Mohita Sharma this morning at 10 AM. The incident, unfolding Thursday evening around 6 PM in Juthana area under Rajbagh police station, stemmed from rumors of forced conversions, with masked attackers wielding sticks and iron rods smashing the mini-bus’s windshield and side mirror while officers stood by.
The viral footage, circulating on social media since Friday with over 10,000 views, shows 4-5 assailants – some masked – pummeling the bus carrying 10-15 preachers, including women, who suffered minor injuries. Screams echoed as one attacker yanked open the door, punching a passenger and demanding “other males,” with only one cop attempting to intervene. Kathua police registered FIR No. 242/2025 under IPC sections 147 (rioting), 323 (hurt), 506 (criminal intimidation), and Arms Act provisions by 8 PM Friday, arresting two – Ravindra Singh Thela and Rohit Sharma – by yesterday evening. Efforts to nab three more suspects are ongoing, per Sharma’s update.
The preachers, invited by locals for a prayer meeting, were accused of luring villagers – a claim under probe. No serious injuries, but the video’s bystander cops drew fire, prompting the suspensions for “negligence.” Sharma at 11 AM: “Internal inquiry underway; zero tolerance for inaction.” Human rights groups like JKCCS condemned it as “mob vigilantism,” calling for protection of minorities amid rising tensions.
Historically, Kathua’s 2018 child rape case fueled communal divides; today’s row risks echoes.