Three Christian families in Bengal allege they were beaten and forced into puja rituals; police register case
Police say they are probing whether the attack in Chandrakona came from a local feud or something else; the accused have not been named.
- The Federal (PTI)
- News18
Three Christian families in Chandrakona, Paschim Medinipur district, have told police they were assaulted and threatened by a group trying to make them renounce their faith, PTI reported. Nine members of the families said in their complaint that the attacks took place on 18 and 19 October and that they were forced to take part in religious rituals against their wishes, a senior police officer said.
The families have lived in the area for about 30 years and converted to Christianity around 18 months ago, according to police. A woman from one family reportedly lost consciousness after being assaulted, and a girl from another family was also allegedly attacked and threatened, the officer said, citing the complaints.
The families also alleged that the group warned them not to approach the police. Police have registered a case against the people named in the complaint but did not disclose their names, and have posted personnel in the area.
"We are probing all possible angles. We do not know which political affiliation the accused people belong to," the officer said, adding that investigators are checking whether the incident grew out of a local dispute or an old family feud.
Calls by PTI to District Magistrate Bijin Krishna went unanswered. News18 reported that the Bangiya Christiya Pariseba had earlier sought a meeting with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat over what it described as attacks on churches and prayer meetings.
It also cited a report by India Hate Lab, an advocacy group, counting at least 60 alleged incidents targeting Christians in Bengal in the first four months of the BJP-led government; that figure has not been independently verified.
Key data
3 families, 9 complainants. Alleged attacks on 18 and 19 Oct. Families converted about 18 months ago. India Hate Lab claims 60 incidents in four months (unverified).
Why it matters
Coercing anyone into a puja empties the ritual of the devotion that gives it meaning, and it hands critics of Hindu society a ready example. How quickly the police name and charge the accused will show whether Bengal's new government protects everyone's freedom of faith.
GK: did you know?
Article 25 of the Constitution guarantees every person freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practise and propagate religion, subject to public order, morality and health.
