Two Salesian priests and a nun, along with a group of students were attacked by communal elements in Kawant, Gujarat on Wednesday, Dec. 19.
At around 8 pm Salesian priest father Monty Rodrigues, Damien Sladen, Brother Ramesh Durairaj, Dominican sister Manju along with a group of students from Don Bosco Kawant were staging a social awareness play at Baidiya village in Kawant Taluka, Gujarat. Mid-way through the play, some communal elements disrupted the programme and demanded that the group leave the village.
Sensing further trouble, the awareness programme was immediately halted. The group started returning to Kawant. However, on the way back, they were stopped by a large group of persons and were badly assaulted.
In the attack, Fr. Damien Sladen and Br. Ramesh Durairaj were seriously injured. Several of the students, including some girls also sustained injuries.
Attempt was made to disrobe Sr Manju. Only Fr. Monty Rodrigues managed to escape and return to Kawant, where he alerted the police.
Initially, the police refused to file the First Information report.
However, on insistance, a police complaint has been lodged.
Br. Ramesh and Fr. Damien, along with two other of the most seriously injured boys, have been rushed to Baroda for medical attention.
The Salesians of Don Bosco have been working in Kawant for the past twenty five year
