The city of Mysore had witnessed communal riots just a few months ago, and now the city's Holy Family Church was vandalised on Sunday.

A statue of Mother Mary was broken in the attack. The church had been stoned several years ago, but things had been peaceful in the recent past. But the overnight attack has come as a shock.

"This is done by some miscreants to create unrest in our community and humiliate the Christians," said Bishop Pillai.

Reacting to the incident, Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa said: "I don't know why people are trying to disturb the Christian community. It is my responsibilty to give them full protection. I will not let anyone touch the minorities. I will not let this confusion happen."

This is not the first time that churches in Karnataka have been attacked. Mangalore has seen several cases of vandalism leading to allegations of a right-wing agenda in the BJP-ruled state - a charge authorities deny.

Police say the Mysore attack could be a simple case of attempted theft.

"It is reported that some miscreants entered the church premises and they tried to break open the hundi. After that, they also tried to break open the glass and they damaged the statue of Mother Mary," said Ravikant Gowda, DCP, Mysore.

No arrests have been made so far in this distressing attack on a place of worship.