Christian Family Assaulted, Threatened Over Faith in Chhattisgarh Village

Chhattisgarh, May 10, 2026 — A Christian family was allegedly assaulted and threatened on religious grounds in Madgaon village of Kondagaon district, raising fresh concerns over the safety and rights of minority communities in the region.

According to a report by the Progressive Christian Alliance, the incident occurred on the morning of May 9 at around 8:30 a.m. in Madgaon village under Dhanora Police Station in the Keshkal block. Members of the Karanga family were reportedly attacked while plucking mangoes from a tree on land they have long cultivated.

Five members of the family—Phunau Karanga (22), Manau Karanga (35), Milki Bai Karanga (52), Devi Karanga (11), and Jageswari Karanga (8)—sustained injuries in the assault and are currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Keshkal.

The report alleges that two men from the same village, Mahesh Karanga (24) and Birendra Karanga (28), objected to the family harvesting mangoes because of their Christian faith. The attackers reportedly claimed that the family had forfeited their right to live in the village and access local agricultural and forest resources after embracing what they described as a “foreign religion.”

The assault, according to the Alliance, was not an isolated incident but followed a pattern of intimidation. The family had allegedly been subjected to repeated threats in recent months, including public humiliation during village meetings where they were warned to renounce their faith or face expulsion, loss of land, and even threats to their lives.

Despite reportedly informing local police about earlier incidents, no formal case had been registered. Authorities are said to have issued only informal warnings to the accused.

The family also faced increasing social and economic exclusion, the report noted. They were allegedly prevented from collecting essential forest produce such as Mahua flowers and Tendu leaves—key sources of livelihood for many tribal communities in the area.

Following the latest attack, the accused are said to have issued further threats, warning the family against returning to their home in the village.

The Progressive Christian Alliance has called on authorities to ensure immediate protection for the victims, provide adequate medical care, and register criminal cases against those responsible. It has also urged steps to prevent further violence and to address the reported social boycott faced by the family.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about religious intolerance and the vulnerability of Christian minorities in parts of central India, where questions of faith, identity, and access to resources continue to intersect with local tensions.

Christian Family Assaulted, Threatened Over Faith in Chhattisgarh Village

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