West Bengal reports series of attacks on Christian gatherings

A series of attacks and disruptions targeting Christian gatherings and prayer meetings have been reported across several districts in West Bengal throughout August.

In Purba Bardhaman, a burial at St Claret Church was disrupted on August 14 when a group demanded cemetery land documents and forcefully removed a coffin from a grave. In Howrah, a mob allegedly entered a home in Uluberia on August 23, assaulting approximately 60 people and damaging property while accusing the group of forced religious conversions. Similar incidents involving the disruption of prayer meetings and assaults on pastors were reported in Ghusuri, Purba Medinipur, and North 24 Parganas.

In response to the rising intimidation, Christian organizations in the region are implementing new safeguards, including mandatory written applications and affidavits for those seeking to convert. Some groups have also suspended house prayers in certain areas due to safety concerns. While police have registered some FIRs and launched investigations, authorities have noted that some incidents stemmed from local disputes over land use or residency status.