KERALA, INDIA -- Pastor Joseph Thadikka, 57, and his wife Ammini, 52, of New India Bible Church were severely beaten and admitted to the Mananthavadi district hospital with serious head and leg injuries.

The attack occurred in the early morning hours of Oct. 14, according to a news release issued by Salem Voice Ministries (SVM).

A police team is investigating the case under the leadership of the deputy superintendent of police.

“Few months ago Hindu organizations had complained to the police (about) Pastor Joseph Thadikkal that he is converting people to Christianity,” SVM reported in a news release.

However, Hindu organizations disclaimed responsibility for the attack.

Paul Ciniraj, President of the Christian Ministers of the Churches in India condemned the attack towards Thadikkal and his wife.

“Persecution towards Christians, Dalits and other minorities is increasing throughout India,” Ciniraj said in a news release. “Priests, pastors, missionaries, evangelists and believers are being murdered, beaten, abducted and jailed. Women are being raped;churches and institutions stoned, vandalized and demolished.”

Salem Voice Ministries ministers the gospel of Jesus Christ by preaching and charitable works such as educating the poor children, running orphanages; building houses for the homeless, and supplying medicines, clothes and food for the needy.

© 2007 ASSIST News Service, used with permission