Chhattisgarh Christian family attacked after refusing reconversion ceremony

A Christian family in Chhattisgarh, India, was reportedly attacked by a group of approximately 100 Hindu activists after refusing to participate in a ‘Ghar Wapsi’ reconversion ceremony. The incident occurred on July 2, when the group surrounded the home of Kamal Sinha.

According to local reports, the mob dismantled the roof of the family home, leaving seven members exposed to monsoon rains and destroying their stored harvest. The confrontation was allegedly led by Bisahu Dhruv, Mansa Gawde, and Phoolsingh Gawde. The activists reportedly demanded the family return to the Hindu faith, accusing them of disrespecting local religious practices and defiling the village.

Following the attack, the family was forced to close their small grocery shop, and their water and electricity supplies were disconnected. This event follows a pattern of displacement in the region; hundreds of Christian families in Chhattisgarh have reportedly been forced from their homes this year, with some seeking shelter in forests. Chhattisgarh is one of 13 Indian states with anti-conversion laws, which advocacy groups claim are being used to intimidate religious minorities.