VARANASI, India – A Christian woman was tragically murdered in a brutal attack at the St. Mary’s Cathedral Church compound in Varanasi on January 1st, marking the second murder in the city this year. The incident has raised concerns within the community and sparked outrage, according to local media.
The victim, identified only as Victoria, was around 50 years old and lived in Gumla, Jharkhand state. She resided in the staff quarters of the church and assisted with work in the church compound, living with her sister, Retina.
According to Ronald Benjamin Nadar, a senior member of the church, the assailant, identified in media reports as Jitendra, also known as Chetu, entered through the back gate while the security guard was away. He broke into Victoria’s room while Retina was at work, which ultimately led to the tragic incident.
The security guard and other women in the compound heard Victoria’s cries for help and rushed to her aid. They found the victim covered in blood, with the attacker standing over her holding an iron rod and a grinding stone. Despite their efforts to save her, Victoria’s condition was severe and she was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Following this disturbing incident, reports of a lawyer’s murder on New Year’s Day have shaken the city of Varanasi. Police Commissioner S. Chinnappa later confirmed the arrest of Jitendra to the media.
The details surrounding the attack and the motivations behind it are currently under investigation, with Victoria’s body sent for post-mortem to determine the next course of action. This tragic event has instilled a sense of fear and concern within the community, calling for increased vigilance and security measures to prevent such heinous acts in the future.