Full Breakdown
Wave of Mob Attacks on Christian Gatherings in West Bengal
9/6/2026, 10:03:52 PM
Series of Mob Attacks on Christian Prayer Meetings and Burials
In July and August 2024, mobs targeted Christian worship and funeral rites across West Bengal. On July 5 a burial in Purba Bardhaman was disrupted and a church in Subhasgram, South 24 Parganas, vandalised. On August 14 a mob entered St Claret Church in Sahanagar (Purba Bardhaman) and forced a body already lowered into the grave to be removed, assaulting mourners. On August 23 a mob broke into a house in Uluberia (Howrah) during Sunday prayers, beating attendees and ransacking the premises while shouting “forced conversions.” Further attacks occurred at prayer meetings in Ghusuri (Howrah) on August 25, Check Milepost village (Purba Medinipur) on August 26, and Jagatballavpur (Howrah) and Hingalganj (North 24 Parganas) on August 30. Police rescued victims in several cases, but no arrests have been reported.
Background & Context
Local Hindu right-wing groups allege that Christian congregations engage in “forced conversions” by offering monetary incentives. Community leaders link the attacks to these accusations, prompting several churches to suspend house-prayer gatherings for safety.
Timeline
- July 5 – Burial disrupted; church vandalised.
- August 14 – Funeral at St Claret interrupted; body removed.
- August 23 – Mob attacks 60 worshippers in Uluberia.
- August 25 – Prayer meeting attacked in Ghusuri.
- August 26 – Pastor and wife beaten in Check Milepost.
- August 30 – Incidents reported in Jagatballavpur and Hingalganj.
Data & Statistics
- Six mob incidents reported between July 5 and August 30.
- Approximately 60 worshippers present at the Uluberia prayer meeting.
- Multiple injuries reported; exact casualty numbers not released.
Official Statements & Responses
- Superintendent Amit Verma (Howrah Rural) confirmed an FIR was filed for the Uluberia attack and that an investigation is underway.
- CPI(M) state secretary Md Selim warned that similar incidents have occurred in other BJP-ruled states and pledged to defend religious freedom in Bengal.
- TMC spokesperson Pradeepta Mukherjee accused the BJP of “politics of fear” and of targeting minority communities.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There have been a series of such attacks recently… We are providing legal help to the victims, who are scared,” — Herod Mullick, founder of the Bangiya Christiya Pariseba.
- “Community members were beaten up and some people were injured. I tried to reason with the mob, but they refused to understand.” — Father Suraj Saroj, Church of the Grace.
- “They were chanting slogans and said we were forcefully converting people…” — Pastor Joy Sutradhar.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- No arrests have been made despite FIRs.
- Police have not provided updates on investigations, leaving legal outcomes unknown.
The attacks have led Christian communities in West Bengal to suspend house-prayer gatherings and seek legal assistance amid ongoing uncertainty.
