CONCERNS RAISED OVER ATTACKS ON CHRISTIANS IN BJP-RULED INDIA’S WEST BENGAL

A member of the mob attempts to dislodge a cross mounted atop the church. Photo: Instagram/@cpimcc

Sat 03 October 2026:

At least 60 incidents targeting Christians have been recorded in West Bengal since the BJP formed the state government in May 2026, a report by India Hate Lab says.

The cases, logged between May 13 and September 20 in 13 districts, cover raids on prayer meetings, homes and churches, harassment of worshippers, physical assaults, vandalism and public humiliation.

IHL recorded 52 raids on Christian gatherings and eight incidents involving physical violence, mob attacks or vandalism. It also noted five public hate speech events targeting Christians, sometimes alongside Muslims, and three protests focused on allegations of religious conversion.

According to the report, several incidents followed a similar pattern. Members of Hindu nationalist organisations allegedly entered private homes, churches or rented venues where Christians were praying and accused those present of carrying out religious conversions. In some cases, worshippers were questioned about their religious identity and asked to show Aadhaar cards. South 24 Parganas and Paschim Medinipur recorded the highest number of raids, with 13 each. Organisations named include Hindu Jagaran Manch, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, Hindu Suraksha Samiti, Hindu Ekta Manch and Hindu Sanghati.

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IHL cited incidents in Sandeshkhali and Hingalganj where people attending Christian gatherings were questioned about their faith. The change in state government was sometimes mentioned during confrontations. In Panskura on September 3, VHP and Bajrang Dal members allegedly interrupted a gathering and warned that conversion activities would not be allowed in “New Bengal.” In Barasat on July 12, members of Hindu Jagaran Manch allegedly told a Christian organisation that their activities “would not be tolerated now that BJP is in power.” These remain allegations documented by IHL.

Christian women were repeatedly targeted over religious identity and traditional Bengali symbols such as sakha pola and sindoor. In Ramnagar, Purba Medinipur, on September 5, women were allegedly told to remove their sakha pola and questioned for referring to Jesus as “Swami.” Similar heckling occurred in Baruipur on July 18, where women carrying Bibles were called “sold out Hindus.” On September 19 in Barrackpore, VHP and Bajrang Dal members allegedly assaulted and publicly humiliated Christian women while accusing them of facilitating conversion.

Some incidents escalated into violence. IHL documented alleged church vandalism in South 24 Parganas on June 10 and damage to crosses at a construction site in Subhasgram on July 5. On August 25 in Howrah, a mob allegedly detained two people accused of conversion-related activity; the man was stripped and the woman manhandled while police were present. Assaults were also reported during prayer meetings in Kolkata, Magrahat and Barrackpore.

The report comes amid complaints from Christian organisations. Bangiya Christiya Pariseba submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari alleging 26 cases of persecution over three months and seeking protection. The Indian Express reported that some groups suspended house prayers after attacks, including an August incident in Uluberia where police rescued a pastor and worshippers.

IHL noted the incidents increased over the four-month period, with five raids recorded within 48 hours on September 19 and 20. Many were shared on social media by those involved. The findings form part of India Hate Lab’s Early Warning, Early Response initiative, published by the Center for the Study of Organized Hate.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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