Several attacks on Christians reported in West Bengal on July 5
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Photo: Siasat Daily
Kolkata: A church under construction in the Subhashgram area of South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, was allegedly vandalised by a Hindutva mob on July 5 in one of several reported attacks targeting Christians across the state.
The incidents have raised concerns among members of the Christian community about their safety and security under the BJP-led government.
According to eyewitnesses, a group of people entered the under-construction church while chanting slogans such as "Hindu Hindu Bhai Bhai" and "Jai Shri Ram."
The mob damaged the building by breaking windows, vandalising the altar, and destroying musical instruments used during worship. Several crosses installed on the roof were also reportedly pulled down, Siasat Daily reported.
In a separate incident in Murshidabad, a Christian widow, Barnali Chatterjee, was attacked by a mob that demanded she renounce her faith and hand over her property for the construction of a temple. The attackers vandalised her house while local residents, fearing the mob, did not intervene.
Another attack was reported at Grace Church in the Faridpur area of Purba Bardhaman district during a Sunday worship service. Pastor Surajit Ghosh told Matter India that false and provocative allegations were being circulated against the Christian community with the intention of creating misunderstanding and inciting hostility.
He expressed concern that such misinformation could disturb communal harmony and said parents associated with the church-run school were worried about the situation.
The pastor further said that the congregation, staff, students and their families were concerned about their safety, adding that the threats could escalate into more serious incidents if preventive measures were not taken in time.
An eyewitness alleged that the mob entered the church around 10 a.m. during the service and physically assaulted the pastor and members of the congregation. Following a complaint by the Bena Christian Council, police intervened and escorted the pastor and worshippers to safety.
The reported incidents come amid growing concerns over attacks on religious minorities, including Christians and Muslims, in West Bengal.