Mangalore: The St. Alphonsa Chruch in Kankanady was attacked by Hindu stranger from Belthangady, Probably of unsound mind or in a drunken state on Thursday, damaging the crucifix and statue of St. Mary, mother of Christ.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, the Bishop of Belthangady said in 23 years it was the first attack on the church serving 250 christian households. The motive of the lone accused, caught by parishioners, remained a secret.

The stranger tried to put on Priest’s robes in sacristy and tried to run away when the assistant priest and local devotees of the church spoke to him. He threw vestments on floor, damaged a statue of Jesus. The miscreant threw his own footwear and clothes in the sacristy floor. Police came upon the scene and took the man away. Parish priest Fr. Sebastian C., has asked the district authorities to take a legal action against the violent offender.