Christian family in Howrah’s Bhatora alleges attacks and threats over religious faith
A Christian family in Howrah’s Bhatora has alleged attacks, threats and intimidation by neighbours over their religious faith. The family claims they were assaulted, locked inside their home and threatened with expulsion from the village and India. Police have deployed civic personnel outside their house. The allegations have renewed questions over religious freedom and the safety of Christians in West Bengal.
At the farthest edge of Howrah lies the island region of Bhatora, surrounded by the Rupnarayan and Mundeswari rivers. River transport is the primary means of communication. Both Hindu and Muslim communities live in the area. A family from the village has alleged that they have faced attacks and threats from some neighbours over the past few days for practising Christianity for nearly eight years.
Putul Manna and Kanchan Manna live in the Mini Bazar area of South Bhatora with their two sons. Putul alleges that on September 16, a group of neighbours entered their home and questioned them about their practice of Christianity. They were allegedly threatened and asked why they had abandoned Sanatan Dharma and adopted Christianity. They were also allegedly told to leave their home and the village, and even to leave India. According to the family, they were told to go to the birthplace of Jesus Christ.
Putul further alleges that several women from the neighbourhood assaulted her that day. She also claims that she was locked inside her house for nearly five hours. At the time, her husband was working in Kolkata and was asked to return home. When Kanchan Manna returned the following day, another altercation reportedly broke out with neighbours, who allegedly attempted to assault him. Kanchan claims that as the situation escalated, he feared for his life.
The family says they have been practising Christianity for nearly eight years and had never faced any problems over their faith until recently. Putul and Kanchan allege that the harassment began after the BJP came to power in the state. Putul says she herself had voted for the BJP. “I never imagined that such a thing would happen to us if this party came to power,” she said. She added that she loves her neighbours and wants to live peacefully with everyone in the community.
After alleging attacks and threats over three consecutive days, from September 16 to 18, Putul and Kanchan approached the police. Two civic police personnel have now been deployed outside their home. The family has also said that they are expected to receive legal assistance from Christian organisations.
Putul further claims that, inspired by the Manna family, another family in the village had also been practising Christianity for around three to four years. She alleges that members of the local community subsequently confronted that family as well. According to Putul, fearing further trouble, the family has said that it would return to Sanatan Dharma.
The incident has also raised questions about the safety of the Christian community in the state. Christian organisations allege that around 26 incidents of violence or harassment against Christians have been reported across West Bengal over the past three months. They further claim that many such incidents go unreported because of fear.
Following the allegations made by the Manna family in South Bhatora, questions have therefore been raised not only about the safety of one family but also about freedom of religious practice and the security of minority communities. Christian organisations have called for an impartial investigation into the allegations and legal action against those found responsible.
