Mob Attacks Anglican Church During Inauguration in West Bengal

KOLKATA, November 6, 2026: A group of 30 to 35 men allegedly attacked worshippers and clergy during the inauguration of a newly constructed Church of North India (CNI) congregation in Narayantala, South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal, on October 31.

The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of Basanti police station when Bishop Subrata Chakraborty of the CNI, accompanied by priests from neighbouring churches and members of the congregation, arrived for the inauguration ceremony.

According to congregation members Subir Gayen and Prodip Mondal, the bishop and other clergy reached the church in a peaceful procession at around 8 am. While a welcome ceremony was underway, the group allegedly forced its way into the church premises and assaulted those present.

Women and clergy allegedly assaulted

Eyewitnesses told AsiaNews that the attackers assaulted women worshippers and ordered them to remove their traditional shakha bracelets before forcing them out of the church. Several priests were also reportedly beaten.

The attackers allegedly confiscated and destroyed mobile phones belonging to people attempting to record the incident. They also threatened to prevent prayers, singing and other religious services from being conducted at the premises.

Following the attack, Pastor Subhashish Gayen informed Herod Mullick, founder and general secretary of the Bangiya Christiya Pariseba (BCP), also known as the Bengal Christian Council.

Mullick contacted members of the congregation to ascertain the details. The council's legal adviser reportedly attempted to contact the local police Inspector-in-Charge but could not establish communication. The lawyer subsequently informed the Superintendent of Police about the alleged assault, following which a police patrol was reportedly sent to the area.

Christian leaders seek police action

The BCP leadership advised the congregation to lodge a formal complaint with the police.

Speaking to AsiaNews, Mullick described the incident as a serious attack on a recognised Christian denomination. He alleged that organised extremist groups were increasingly targeting religious minorities and criticised the authorities for what he described as inadequate action against such incidents.

He emphasised that the congregation belonged to the Church of North India, a major Protestant denomination established in 1970.

The attack has raised concerns among Christian leaders about the safety of worshippers and their freedom to practise their faith and conduct religious services without intimidation.

At the time of publication, there was no confirmed information about arrests or an official police statement regarding the incident.

Source : AsiaNews