The shocking story of a Catholic priest and school principal who is in the Intensive Care Unit in Ranchi has rocked Jharkhand. He is the victim of three to four masked men who allegedly attacked him with sharp-edged weapons inside his school office in Khunti district two days ago, on Tuesday night. 

The assault triggered protests by tribal Christians and other groups demanding action against those responsible.

Found Injured on School Premises

Father Benedict Barla, principal of St Michael Middle School in Jharkhand’s Khunti district and associated with St Michael’s Cathedral, was found seriously injured on the school premises at around 8.30 am on 21 October 2026. He was taken to Khunti Sadar Hospital for emergency treatment and subsequently shifted to Pulse Hospital in Ranchi, where he remained in critical condition, according to reports.

CCTV Footage Offers Investigative Leads

According to Father Bisu Benjamin, vicar general of the Diocese of Khunti, CCTV footage showed three masked men arriving on a motorcycle and entering the school premises at around 9 pm on 20 October. Church officials indicated that the attackers may have encountered Father Barla while attempting to enter his office. A suspected weapon, reportedly a spade, was recovered by police, according to the Bishop of Khunti, Monsignor Binay Kandulna.

The school was closed for a holiday, and the person who usually stayed with the priest was away attending his mother’s funeral. However, the identities of the assailants and their motive remain unconfirmed. Police are examining evidence to establish the sequence of events and identify those responsible.

Protests and Calls for Accountability

The attack prompted protests by Adivasi groups and Christian organisations, with demonstrators demanding action. Khunti’sMember of Parliament and others visited the hospital to enquire about Father Barla’s condition.

Church representatives have urged people not to speculate about the perpetrators or motives, emphasising that the investigation must establish the facts.

The Message: Let Evidence Lead to Justice

An attack of this severity demands a thorough, impartial investigation and accountability for those responsible. Equally important is ensuring that public concern does not become a source of rumours or communal division. Justice must be pursued firmly, transparently and on the strength of evidence—protecting both the dignity of the injured and the cohesion of the wider community.

Source: https://www.heraldmalaysia.com/news/jharkhand-catholic-priest-in-serious-conditions-after-school-attack/92627/1