Minorities Commission Seeks Probe Into BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar’s Alleged Threat To Christian Priests In Maharashtra

Mumbai: The national commission for minorities has asked the Maharashtra chief secretary to investigate complaints by the state's Christians about threats made to their priests by BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar.

The commission asked the government to submit a report on the investigation by August 17. The directions were given after a complaint from Church activist Cyril Dara. While speaking at a public event in Sangli on June 17, Padalkar allegedly offered a reward of Rs11 lakh to anyone who kills a Christian missionary involved in religious conversion. On July 11, Christians held a meeting at Azad Maidan to protest against Padalkar's comments. His remarks came after a 28-yearold pregnant woman died by suicide in Sangli because of an alleged dowry demand from in-laws and pressure to practise Christianity.