Effigy of Christian Priests Burned During Protest in West Bengal’s Basanti

Basanti, West Begal, November 9, 2026: An effigy depicting Christian priests, including Father Parimal Kanji, was burned by a group of protesters at Chowmatha crossing in Basanti, South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal, amid rising tensions over allegations of religious conversion.

The demonstration was organised by the Adivasi Eilya Parishad, a local organisation which accused Christian priests of attempting to convert members of the Adivasi community by promising to cure illnesses. The allegations have heightened tensions between sections of the local population and the Christian community.

The protest is the latest development in a series of incidents that have unsettled the area. Tensions reportedly escalated following the vandalism of a newly constructed church in the region. In response, local groups submitted a memorandum to the police raising allegations against the priests.

Christian organisations, meanwhile, have reported incidents of alleged harassment targeting churchgoers following the unrest. The developments have raised concerns about the safety of religious minorities and the possibility of further divisions within the community.

Father Parimal Kanji, the priest-in-charge at Basanti, rejected the suggestion that local residents were responsible for the violence and disruption. He maintained that those behind the incidents were outsiders rather than members of the local community.

A written complaint concerning the incidents has also been submitted to the local police, according to Father Kanji. The complaint seeks to bring the matter to the attention of the authorities amid continuing concerns over the situation.

The competing allegations underline the sensitivity of the issue, particularly in an area where religious identity, community relations and claims of conversion have become points of contention. While the protesters have raised concerns about alleged inducements to convert, Christian representatives have reported harassment and damage to places of worship.

The burning of the effigy has added another visible expression of the tensions. However, the allegations made by the protesting group and the claims raised by Christian organisations require careful examination by the authorities.

The police are now being called upon to investigate the incidents, establish the circumstances surrounding the church vandalism and subsequent protest, and determine whether any individuals or groups were responsible for violence or intimidation.

The situation in Basanti highlights the importance of protecting freedom of religion and ensuring that allegations of unlawful activity are addressed through proper legal channels. Any investigation must be impartial, with the rights and safety of all communities respected.

As tensions continue, residents and community representatives will be hoping for a peaceful resolution and steps to prevent further confrontation. Ensuring accountability, protecting places of worship and maintaining trust between communities will be essential to restoring calm in the area.

Courtesy : The Hindu