By IANS, Raipur : A major search operation was launched here Tuesday for unidentified miscreants who attacked and injured a US national Monday night, police said.
“Unknown attackers hit Steve Alison, an American, on Monday night in the Pandari area of Raipur. Alison fell unconscious and was taken to hospital by passers by. He had to undergo 12 stitches on the head,” Shashimohan Singh, a police official, told IANS.
“Alison, who is in his late 50s, was apparently attacked with a heavy wooden stick and the miscreants escaped after seriously injuring him. He is now scared and fears more such attacks. According to Alison’s statement, we believe some anti-missionary people were involved,” Singh added.
An FIR has been registered against unidentified attackers. Steve had reportedly shifted from Jaipur to Raipur in March.
Another police official said Hindu hardliners have stepped up attacks on foreigners in Chhattisgarh in recent months, accusing them of being involved in converting low caste Hindus and tribals into Christianity under cover of social and educational activities.