Churches and Christian homes attacked in eastern India
Three separate incidents involving churches and Christian residents in West Bengal have heightened fears over religious intimidation and minority safety
NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — Christian leaders in India’s eastern state of West Bengal have raised alarm over a wave of attacks targeting churches and members of the minority community after three separate incidents of vandalism, intimidation and violence were reported across the state on the same day.
The attacks, which took place on July 5, involved an under-construction church being vandalized, a Christian widow allegedly being pressured to renounce her faith and surrender her property, and a congregation coming under attack during a Sunday worship service.
Community leaders say the incidents have deepened concerns over the safety of Christians, who make up about 2% of India’s population.
In the Subhashgram area of South 24 Parganas district, an under-construction church was attacked by a mob that entered the premises chanting Hindu religious slogans, including “Jai Shri Ram” and “Hindu Hindu Bhai Bhai” (Hindus are brothers).
Witnesses said the attackers smashed windows, damaged musical instruments, desecrated the altar and pulled down crosses installed on the building’s roof before leaving the site.
In a separate incident in Murshidabad district, a Christian widow, Barnali Chatterjee, was allegedly threatened by a mob that demanded she abandon Christianity and hand over her property so it could be converted into a Hindu temple. According to local reports, the group also damaged parts of her home while nearby residents did not intervene.
Another attack was reported in Purba Bardhaman district, where members of a mob allegedly disrupted a Sunday service at Grace Church in Faridpur. Pastor Surajit Ghosh said false allegations had been spread against the local Christian community before the attack, creating an atmosphere of fear and hostility.
According to eyewitnesses, the pastor and several others were assaulted before police arrived. The Bena Christian Council said officers later escorted the pastor and members of the congregation to safety.
Christian leaders said the incidents reflect growing intimidation of religious minorities and urged authorities to identify those responsible and ensure stronger protection for churches and vulnerable communities.
The attacks were reported shortly after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) assumed power in West Bengal, prompting some Christian organizations to voice concern over the security of the state’s minority communities.
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