CHRISTIAN GROUP REPORTS 36 CASES OF ASSAULT AND VANDALISM IN BENGAL OVER THREE MONTHS

September 26, 2026

KOLKATA: A Christian organisation in West Bengal has documented 36 alleged cases of assault, vandalism and other forms of persecution involving members of the community over the past three months, according to a report published by National Herald. The incidents reportedly include attacks on prayer gatherings, churches, private homes and disruptions of burial ceremonies. Eleven of the cases have resulted in FIRs, according to the Bangiya Christiya Pariseba (BCP).

Among the incidents cited are an attack on an under-construction church in Subhasgram in South 24 Parganas, alleged assaults on a pastor and worshippers in Majer Para, and disruptions of Christian prayer meetings in Purba Bardhaman and Paschim Medinipur. The report also describes an incident in which a burial was disrupted in Sahanagar, with a group allegedly demanding documents relating to the cemetery.

BCP founder-secretary Herod Mullick alleged that the incidents were more than isolated disputes and said the organisation was providing legal assistance to affected people. The group has also raised concerns about the registration and investigation of complaints. Similar concerns were reported earlier by The Indian Express, which said Christian groups had suspended some house prayers following attacks and allegations of harassment.

The allegations have been disputed or differently characterised by representatives of Hindu nationalist organisations. West Bengal RSS secretary Jishnu Basu described the incidents as local disputes and said they were neither mandated nor encouraged by the RSS, BJP or the state government. Singha Bahini president Debdatta Majhi, meanwhile, alleged that forced conversions were taking place in parts of the state and said such activity should not be allowed.

The West Bengal government has said that people have the right to practise their religion, while maintaining that complaints of forced conversion would be dealt with under the law. The reported incidents and the competing allegations regarding their causes and responsibility remain matters for police investigation and legal proceedings.