The culprits tried to force entry into the residence of Father Edward, failing which they pelted stones on the premises, district collector Wasim Jawed telephonically told PTI today. The telephone lines and electricity connection to the centre were also snapped by the miscreants. They were moderately dressed unlike tribals in the area and were demanding money from the priest, Jawed said.

Senior officials including the collector, and superintendent of police Digvijay Shukla, rushed to Jamali with police force. Police have registered a case under sections 356, 380 and 427 of the IPC, Jawed said. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijay Singh has alleged that a ``well-planned strategy'' is apparently in operation to target Christian missionary centres after the BJP-led coalition came topower.