By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 24: The vehicle of Rev. Mcdonald Pyngrope, a pastor at Mawkhar Presbyterian Church who recently flagged the alleged misappropriation of church funds, was vandalised on Sunday evening. The incident is suspected to be a retaliatory act linked to his recent formal complaint.
Rev. Pyngrope lodged an FIR at the Lumdiengjri Police Station after his vehicle was targeted while parked near the Wahumkhrah fencing at Lawmali Pyllun. The pastor had been attending a cottage gathering at a church member’s residence in Wahingdoh and noticed the damage—a smashed right rear door—only after reaching Jaiaw Pdeng.
Notably, no valuables were stolen. Rev. Pyngrope stated that his wallet, ATM cards, and the car’s audio system were left untouched. In his complaint, he requested the police to investigate the act and conduct a preliminary inquiry. Rev. Pyngrope told reporters he suspects the vandalism is tied to an FIR he filed on May 12 regarding the alleged misappropriation of church funds. He pointed out that while five or six other cars were parked in the same location, only his vehicle was damaged.
The pastor has been leading efforts to address financial irregularities within the church. His earlier complaint alleged that an internal audit for the 2023-24 financial year, supported by findings from a legal team and a special audit report, revealed acts of fraud, forgery, and the diversion of church funds for personal gain by certain individuals.
