Congress leaders urge arrests after alleged attack on Christian families in West Bengal

Congress MP KC Venugopal and leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking the immediate arrest of individuals accused of assaulting three Christian families in West Bengal’s Paschim Medinipur district.

The alleged incidents occurred between October 18 and 20 in Patlapur village during Durga Puja festivities. Venugopal described the events as “deeply disturbing,” alleging that the families were assaulted, humiliated, and coerced into renouncing Christianity. Specific allegations include a woman being struck on the head until she lost consciousness and a 15-year-old girl being strangled and threatened with abduction and rape.

According to the letter, the families were allegedly taken to a Durga Puja pandal in Dingal village and forced to undergo a “purification” ritual. Venugopal also claimed the families were threatened with being burnt alive if they contacted the police. While an FIR naming 13 people was registered on October 20 following legal intervention, Venugopal urged the Home Minister to ensure stringent action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, citing offenses such as attempt to murder, criminal trespass, and outraging the modesty of women.