Hyderabad, June 28 -- A group of Christians were attacked by a large Hindutva mob in Odisha's Malkangiri district during a seed blessing ceremony, a religious ritual seeking blessings for a good harvest and fertile land.

The incident occurred on June 21 in a church in Kotamateru village, when 300-400 individuals forced their way wielding axes and attacked the worshippers. Seven Christians were grievously injured, reported local media.

Due to the remote location of the village, the Malkangiri police were not informed of the attack until a local got in touch with a nearby pastor. On information, they rushed the critically injured to the Malkangiri district hospital.

An FIR in connection with the same was filed on June 23. There have been...