Dozens of Christians attacked during prayer gathering in India
Community leaders demand investigation after violence disrupted religious gathering and left multiple worshippers hospitalized
NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — More than two dozen Christians, including a pastor and his pregnant wife, were injured after a mob allegedly attacked a prayer gathering in central India, according to Christian leaders who say violence targeting religious minorities continues to rise in parts of the country.
The attack took place in Chhattisgarh state’s Sukma district, where about 70 Christians had gathered for a regular Sunday worship service inside Sadrapal village.
Christian community representatives said a group of local non-Christian tribal residents interrupted the gathering before attacking worshippers, triggering panic among those attending the service.
The prayer meeting was led by Pastor Hunga Mandavi, a local Christian leader who was among those injured during the violence.
Witnesses said multiple worshippers were beaten during the attack, while community members expressed particular concern about injuries suffered by the pastor’s pregnant wife.
According to Christian organizations, between 25 and 30 worshippers sustained injuries, with at least five suffering serious wounds requiring additional medical treatment.
Several injured individuals received treatment at local health facilities while others were transferred to district hospitals.
Christian leaders rejected suggestions that the violence was connected to a land dispute and insisted the gathering was peaceful.
They argue the attack reflects growing hostility toward Christian religious activities in parts of India where pastors and worship gatherings increasingly face opposition from local groups and vigilantes.
The incident occurred in a region where tensions around religious conversion and Christian missionary activities have periodically triggered confrontations, particularly in tribal-dominated areas.
Pastor Simon Digbal Tandi, coordinator of the Progressive Christian Alliance — a network of pastors, church leaders and social workers — said attacks against Christians have become increasingly common.
“Almost every other day, we hear of such incidents in the state,” he said, warning that repeated violence risks deepening communal tensions.
Christian representatives said a police complaint has been filed naming multiple individuals allegedly involved in the assault.
Community leaders and rights advocates have called for an impartial investigation, protection for victims and witnesses and stronger measures to prevent future attacks.
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