Protests erupt ahead of Evangelist Benny Hinn's visit

Bangalore, Jan 13: Ever since the news of Evangelist Benny Hinn visiting the city broke out, protests have erupted against the visit.

Many saffron groups have been protesting against Hinn's visit saying that his agenda was to convert people into Christianity.

A certain amount of uncertainity looms over the event as some reports suggest that the prayer convention is scheduled from Jan 15 to 19 but some say that following the protests Hinn may visit the city for just one day.

"The government should not give the permission for the visit as it is an effort (towards) conversion and conversion is against the Constitution," VHP leader Praveen Togadia said.

The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti office-bearers recently submitted a memorandum to City Police Commissioner Raghavendra Auradkar contending that the convetion is illegal as Hinn was arriving on a tourist visa.

Reports: Hinn likely to visit B'lore for just one day

The Karnataka High Court had on January 10 directed the police to take precautionary measures for maintaining peace in the city during Hinn's visit.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice D H Waghela and Justice B V Nagarathna had issued directions disposing off a petition by Sri Rama Sene's city unit questioning the police inaction on its representation to restrain Hinn from participating in the religious event as a similar congregation in 2005 had "disturbed peace" in the city.

This is not the first time that Hinn's convention has a brush with controversy. In 2005 when Hinn visited Bangalore, many people had protested his presence in the city.

With PTI inputs

OneIndia News