Mumbai Christians Demand Investigation After Cross Vandalised

Andheri, May 16, 2026: Christian community leaders and activists in Mumbai have called for a Crime Investigation Department inquiry after a roadside Cross near the historic St. John the Baptist Church in SEEPZ, Andheri East, was allegedly vandalised twice within two days, raising concerns over communal harmony and the safety of Christian religious symbols.

The Cross, situated along MIDC Road near the old church premises, was reportedly damaged during the early morning hours between May 12 and May 14. Following the incidents, priests from St. John the Evangelist Church in Marol lodged a complaint with the MIDC Police Station.

Community representatives described the vandalism as a deliberate act intended to hurt the religious sentiments of Christians. Social activist Godfrey Pimenta and the Watchdog Foundation submitted a memorandum to authorities and the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission, seeking a detailed investigation into the incidents.

According to the complaint, unidentified persons allegedly targeted the roadside Cross between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. Activists noted that despite the first act of vandalism being reported, the same religious symbol was allegedly damaged again the following day, leading to allegations of negligence and failure to prevent a repeat incident.

A nearby devotee, who lights candles at the Cross daily, reported hearing noises around 3:30 a.m. but could not see what happened because of the buses.

Christian groups have urged authorities to examine and preserve CCTV footage from the area, stating that surveillance cameras installed nearby could help identify those responsible.

Demanding an independent inquiry, community leaders appealed for the case to be transferred to the Crime Investigation Department for what they described as an impartial and comprehensive probe. They expressed concern that previous incidents involving desecration of Christian symbols had often been attributed to unidentified or mentally unstable individuals without thorough investigation.

Police have assured the parish that a thorough investigation will be conducted and personnel will be stationed at the site. The parish continues to pray for those responsible, asking for peace, respect, and understanding. Fr. Anthony also thanked parishioners for promptly reporting the incident and offering their full cooperation and support.

The memorandum submitted by activists stated that repeated attacks on crosses and other Christian symbols contribute to a growing sense of insecurity among minority communities and undermine communal harmony. The groups also called for enhanced protection for churches, cemeteries, roadside crosses and other Christian religious structures across Mumbai.

Father Anthony Fernandes, parish priest of St. John the Evangelist Church, said liquor bottles were found near the site, leading to suspicions that miscreants may have been involved in the vandalism. He added that the isolated nature of the area made it difficult for people to notice suspicious activities during the night.

Following the desecration of the Cross outside the SEEPZ Church, Fr. Andrew Anthony Mukadom and Fr. Anthony who are part of the parish team met with the Senior Police Officer at MIDC Police Station and later visited the site. A bus parked directly in front of the Cross had obscured the incident from public view.

The incident has drawn wider public attention because of the historical significance of the church site. St. John the Baptist Church at Condita, SEEPZ, was established in 1579 by Jesuit missionary Father Manuel Gomes, widely known as the “Apostle of Salsette.” The church served as an important centre of Catholic worship in the region until 1840, when a severe epidemic forced parishioners to relocate to Marol.

The present St. John the Evangelist Church was later built in 1840, preserving several architectural elements and sacred artefacts from the original church, including carved altars and statues.

Community members have appealed for peace and communal harmony while urging authorities to identify those responsible and ensure accountability under the law.

Courtesy : Free Press Journal

Photo Courtesy Free Press Journal