West Bengal mob attacks Santhali Christian Bible convention

An armed mob of approximately 200 individuals attacked the Annual Santhali Mega Bible Convention Retreat in the Nadia district of West Bengal on October 9. The gathering, held at the Divine Love Retreat Centre in Jalalkhali, typically attracts over 2,000 Santhali Christians.

Reports indicate the attackers used bricks and bamboo sticks to attempt entry into the church grounds, shouting anti-Christian slogans and vandalizing property. The violence resulted in injuries to several attendees and forced the early conclusion of the four-day event.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) condemned the attack, stating it violates constitutional guarantees of religious freedom. The CBCI has called on federal Home Minister Amit Shah and the West Bengal state government to conduct independent investigations and increase security for religious minorities. Additionally, the Bengal Christian Council (BCP) has begun providing legal aid to the affected communities.