St. Sebastian Church in New Delhi was razed to the ground and investigators are looking for clues if it is a case of arson or an accident.
At around 6 a.m. on the first day of December, 2014, some witnesses recalled seeing smoke and flames emanating from the church. In a swift movement of the clock and just before the flames were totally doused by the fire brigade, everything inside it—a pulpit, Bibles and more were reduced to ashes.
Observers recalled inhaling an odour that gave away the presence of kerosene in the fire scene. Some reportedly saw a kerosene container nearby.
The premises were then cordoned off by New Delhi Police to give way for investigation.
The day after, Christians from different organisations and denominations in New Delhi rallied to condemn the destructive act. The government ordered a special panel to investigate the origins of the fire.
The diocesan PRO and spokesman in the person of Fr. Savirimuthu Sankar told reporters that once the incident is ruled as arson, the government will provide compensation for the church's damage.
The timeframe for the investigation is within the period of two months, according to the religious spokesperson. He went on to say that there had been a blunt increase in the number of religiously-motivated incidents in the past six months which has troubled the Christian community.
Another Christian leader based in Delhi, Rev. Victor Das stated that there could be a larger scheme behind these burning sprees.
"If they can attack a well-established and one of the largest churches in New Delhi, we can understand the vulnerable status of small independent churches", he was quoted as saying.
Other sources said that prior to the fire on the midnight of November 29th, the convent sisters rose to check the reason for the dogs' barking. They informed the police after that.
A local Christian was heard saying that "attacks" from some Hindu radicals are imminent; so everyone should be "armed with vigilance".