Eight police officers in India’s Jammu and Kashmir state were suspended for their failure to stop an attack on Christian missionaries by Hindu nationalists on Oct. 23.

A group of about 10 people assaulted the busload of missionaries from Kerala as they were leaving following a meal at a home in Juthana village.

The village falls under the jurisdiction of the Jakhole police post within the Raj Bagh police station area in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district.

A video of the attack was widely circulated on social media, in which most of the police are seen as bystanders.

Following this, the Kathua senior superintendent of police (SSP) suspended eight police officers, including the Jakhole police post in-charge, for not intervening during the assault.

In addition to the suspension of the police officers, an FIR was filed against about 10 people for the assault, in which two of them were history-sheeters (having prior police cases against them).

The attackers reportedly claimed the missionaries who came from South India are converting Hindus to Christianity. However, authorities stated that no evidence of forced conversion has been found, and an investigation is ongoing.

A video of the attack clearly shows some people armed with sticks and sharp weapons stopping a vehicle.

As the vehicle stops, they launch a fierce attack. Police personnel stand nearby watching.

The attackers smashed the front windshield and a side-view mirror of the bus, which was carrying a group of 10 to 15 Christian preachers.

Some of the attackers are seen proceeding to attack the passengers inside the vehicle as the group of policemen watches the violent spectacle without doing much to stop the attack.

Only one police officer is seen trying unsuccessfully to stop an attacker who opened the door of the bus.

Anguished screams, including those of females inside the vehicle, are heard as the passengers are attacked.

SSP Mohita Sharma suspended the officers after viewing the footage.

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