India (MNN) — Bandits are accused of killing a Christian radio worker in Jharkhand State, India. Trans World Radio's Bill Early confirms the death. "Mr. Ajay Kumar Topno was a colleague serving with TWR India, which is an indigenous partner organization, and he was apparently murdered. However, that matter is still under police investigation."
Early describes Topno's work in a somewhat hostile area. "He was actually a church planter in an area where people largely do not read. They get a lot of their information through the radio ministry, so he evidently was visiting listeners at the time."
According to reports from Compass Direct and the All-India Christian Council, local police gave assurances that the culprits would be arrested soon. An AICC statement quoted the regional edition of Hindi language national daily Dainik Jagran as saying that some villagers chased three convert families out of the village on September 11. The report further stated that it was suggested to the villagers that they should target Christian workers rather than chase out the converts.
Police have yet to confirm this information and TWR is cautious with the investigation.
Topno's death has unsettled local believers and family. "We certainly should pray for the family. We're all saddened by the loss of our brother, Ajay. We're grieving, along with the remaining family who understandably are not only bereaved but maybe are fearful now of what's going to happen to them."
