Samuel Thomas denies translation of 'Haqeeqat'

Kota, Mar 18 (UNI) Emmanuel Mission International's chairman Samuel Thomas, who has been sent to five-day police remand here, today denied any role in the translation of the disputed book 'Hakikat'.

A local court here had yesterday remanded him to five-day police custody till March 22 for further investigations in the case.

Produced in the Civil and Judicial Magistrate's (CJM) court here, Thomas said he and his father Dr M A Thomas are not in any way responsible for translation of the book, which has alleged derogatory references about Hindu deities and were not in agreement with author M J Mathew. ''We have never tried to harm the sentiments of any community,'' he said.

Although there were fears that Hindu radical groups would gather and protest before the police station where he has been lodged, no untoward incident occurred here.

Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a report from the State's Director General of Police on the petitions about atrocities being perpetrated on Christians in the state. The report is required to be submitted within four weeks.

UNI XC RRT VD KN1613