A pastor in Karnataka, India, has been beaten by a group of youths after his church's Sunday Service ended on January 7. The pastor needed sixteen stitches for the injuries he sustained from the assault on his head and back.

Pastor Kennedy was worshipping with his church members at Jesus Preeti Church on the morning of January 7 for Sunday Service when seven youths entered the house church and joined the service.

The youth approached Pastor Kennedy after the service had ended and other church members had left. The youth requested the pastor to pray for a "sick friend" whose residence was near the church.

As they were leaving the church premises to head to the sick friend's home, four of the youth attacked Pastor Kennedy.

"Suddenly all four attacked me, slapping my face, back and chest. One of them grabbed the microphone stand and struck me across the back, causing a deep gash, and blood began flowing out," Pastor Kennedy told Compass Direct News.

The other three youths later joined in the attack on Pastor Kennedy.

A church member, Rajendran who happened to return to the church during the attack, was also beaten by the youths.

Rajendran called for help from other church members after the youth had left. They rushed Pastor Kennedy to a clinic nearby. He received thirteen stitches on his back and three stitches on his head.

Pastor Kennedy believed that the attackers were from Hindu extremist groups because they were "mocking the teachings of Jesus Christ", Compass Direct News has reported.

Pastor Kennedy later filed a complaint at the Rajgopal police station. So far, no arrests have been made.