Coimbatore CSI All Souls’ Church Bishop Timothy Ravinder Summoned By Coimbatore Police Over Allegations Of Caste Discrimination And Election Manipulation

Bishop Timothy Ravinder of the Church of South India (CSI) Coimbatore Diocese has been summoned by the Coimbatore city police concerning allegations of conspiracy and caste discrimination. The charges stem from an incident where the bishop allegedly removed a member of the church, effectively preventing him from participating in the upcoming elections. The expelled individual has filed a complaint with the Coimbatore police, seeking assistance in addressing the matter.

The CSI All Souls’ Church in Coimbatore has found itself embroiled in controversy after Reverend Pastor N. Charles Samraj, who the Coimbatore Diocese recently disrobed, leveled allegations of caste discrimination against the church leadership. Samraj, a Dalit, claimed that the Bishop, Timothy Ravinder, targeted him based on his caste in an attempt to prevent him from participating in the upcoming elections. He also alleged that the bishop’s actions were part of a broader pattern of discrimination against Dalit Christians, citing previous suspensions of other Dalit church members.

After his disrobing, Samraj approached the High Court, which quashed the decision. However, he claimed that under Bishop Ravinder’s leadership, the church has continued to prevent him from working freely, halting his salary and water supply, and exerting undue pressure on him. In response, Samraj filed a formal complaint with the Coimbatore District Superintendent of Police (SP), accusing the bishop of ongoing caste-based discrimination and requesting protection. He further urged the authorities to ensure that the court’s directives were enforced. In light of these allegations, Bishop Ravinder has been summoned by the police for questioning.