West Bengal church attack: Hindu Jagran Manch members accused of assaulting worshippers
Basanti Church attack: A newly built church in Basanti, West Bengal, was allegedly attacked by 30–35 people during its inauguration on October 31. Priests and worshippers were assaulted, women were reportedly forced to remove their shakha and the incident has raised concerns over Christian safety.
ttacks on Christians in West Bengal continue to be reported. The latest incident is from Narayantala in Basanti, South 24 Parganas, where 30–35 people allegedly entered a newly built church during its inauguration on October 31 and assaulted those present. According to Herod Mallick, founding state secretary of the Banga Christian Seva (BCP), the attackers identified themselves as members of the Hindu Jagran Manch. Several priests were allegedly beaten up. There are also allegations that women were forced to remove their shakha (conch-shell bangles) and leave the church.
Church members Subir Gayen and Pradip Mondal said the incident took place at around 8 am on Saturday. Bishop Subrata Chakraborty of the Church of North India (CNI) had arrived at Narayantala with priests from several nearby churches. They had taken part in a peaceful procession before reaching the newly built church. A reception was being held inside when a group of 30–35 people allegedly forced their way in.
According to eyewitnesses, the group started beating worshippers and guests soon after entering the church. Women were also targeted. They were allegedly told to remove their shakha before being forced out. The priests who had accompanied the bishop were also assaulted, according to the church members. Some people tried to take photographs and videos of the incident, but their phones were allegedly snatched and smashed.
The group also allegedly threatened to stop religious activities at the church. Church members said the attackers declared that no songs, prayers or religious ceremonies would be allowed there. They reportedly warned that worship would not be permitted under any circumstances.
Herod Mallick learnt about the incident from priest Subhashish Gayen. He then contacted church member Subir Gayen to find out more. A lawyer from the BCP's legal cell also tried to reach the officer-in-charge of the local police station. Mallick alleged that the officer disconnected the calls despite repeated attempts to contact him. The matter was then brought to the attention of the Superintendent of Police. A short while later, the local OC informed the lawyer that a police team had been sent to the area.
The BCP leadership has advised the affected church members to visit the police station and file a formal complaint, seeking registration of an FIR.
Mallick described the alleged assault on several priests in the presence of a bishop as unprecedented. He claimed that organised extremist groups were increasingly targeting religious minorities in the state. He also alleged that the lack of effective action by the administration and the government had made such groups more emboldened.
He pointed out that the church is affiliated with the Church of North India. The incident, he said, should not be seen as an attack on an isolated religious institution. Mallick believes that the church authorities, along with the bishop who was present at the time, should take appropriate legal and institutional action against those accused.
The incident has raised questions about the safety of Christians in West Bengal. The allegations are particularly disturbing because the attack reportedly took place during an inauguration ceremony inside a place of worship. The alleged assault on women and the threats to stop prayers have added to these concerns.
On July 5, two months after the election results were declared, reports emerged of an attack on a church under construction in Subhasgram. More incidents followed. On August 26, a prayer meeting in East Midnapore was allegedly attacked. Inscript recently reported an incident involving two Christian families in Arjunda village under Panskura police station. When Inscript visited the village, it found that the two families had been virtually ostracised by the local community.
A series of alleged attacks on Christians across West Bengal has raised concerns about the safety of religious minorities. According to allegations, more than 60 such incidents have taken place across different districts since the change of government. The BJP government has not yet completed six months in office, but the reported number of incidents has already raised questions about the security of minority communities.
