Christian tribals assaulted and locked inside church in Odisha’s Nabarangpur

Members of the Christian tribal community were harassed, assaulted, and prevented from holding prayers after a group of miscreants entered a church in Kapena village in Odisha’s Nabarangpur district.

The incident took place on Sunday, January 25, in the Umerkote police station area.

According to local residents, a mob entered the church while prayers were underway and objected to the religious gathering. When devotees questioned why they should stop praying, the accused locked the church from outside and forced everyone to leave, a villager, Tuna Santa, told The Times of India.

The mob is also accused of issuing threats using loudspeakers, warning that the church would be demolished and that around 30 tribal Christian families would be expelled from the village if they continued their religious practices. UCA News reported that the group was linked to Hindu nationalist organisations and urged the community to return to the Hindu faith.

Locals further alleged that the following day, two youths from the community, Jaladhar Santa, aged 17, and Mohan Santa, aged 20, were assaulted by the same group. A complaint was submitted at the Umerkote police station, though residents claimed the police initially downplayed the issue.

Ramakanta Sai, inspector in charge of Umerkote police station, said police had deployed personnel after learning of the incident, adding that no formal complaint had yet been received. A peace committee comprising members of both groups was later formed, and a meeting was held under the supervision of sub-collector Prakash Kumar Mishra.

Nabarangpur collector Maheswar Swain said the dispute was linked to objections over a structure built on encroached land and used as a prayer hall. He said 15 days had been given to relocate the prayer hall and for both sides to resolve the issue and restore harmony.