Representatives of the CSI sought protection to the churches and Christian places of worship following the vandalising of a newly-constructed church in Kalapatty near the Coimbatore Airport last night.

In a memorandum submitted to the district collector, they said that the CSI Christ Church was attacked by some Hindu outfits because it was very close to a temple. But, with the permission of the district authorities, a bigger church was constructed.

The Hindu outfits moved a city court to obtain a stay against the construction, but the church authorities got permission from the Madras High Court, which also instructed the police to issue protection to the church.

The church was dedicated to the public a couple of days ago. The church authorities claim that a group consisting of members of Hindu outfits trespassed last night, after pushing away the policemen, and damaged the main door, furniture and the altar of the church.