Serial Church Attacks Rock Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh

Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh, 13 July 2025 : A wave of coordinated attacks on Christian churches swept through the Dhamtari district of Chhattisgarh on Sunday, sparking outrage from the Progressive Christian Alliance, which has condemned the violence in the strongest terms. The assaults were carried out by Hindu fundamentalist groups, including Bajrang Dal activists, at three separate locations—Gopalpuri, Hatkeshwar, and Panchpedi Bakhara.

Around 50 individuals reportedly moved in a rally-like procession from one church to another, chanting provocative religious slogans. The attacks were premeditated, having been publicly announced in advance through verbal threats and social media posts warning of violence on Sunday. Despite these warnings, authorities failed to take preventive action.

Details of the Incidents:

At Panchpedi Bakhara Church, the congregation had dispersed after Sunday prayers when the mob arrived. The pastor quickly locked the church and watched from a distance as the group circled the premises, shouted threats, and eventually departed.

In Gopalpuri, this latest assault follows an earlier attack on 15 June 2025, when Bajrang Dal members vandalised the church post-service, damaging the asbestos roof, sound system, water tank, and display materials, with losses estimated at ₹80,000. Although a complaint was submitted then, no FIR was filed. On Sunday, despite visible police patrols, 40–50 attackers forced their way into the church, assaulted Pastor Thanuram Sahu, and vandalised the pulpit and other property. Pastor Sahu suffered an injury near his ear and was hospitalised. His son, Pastor Manish Sahu, voiced his frustration, stating, “The attackers had no fear of the law. Even in front of the police, they committed this crime, and no intervention was made. This is a matter of serious concern.”

At Hatkeshwar Church, the attackers struck while police were present. The extent of damage is still being assessed.

Mounting Concerns

The Progressive Christian Alliance expressed grave alarm over the authorities’ failure to act despite numerous warnings and viral social media threats. The fact that the attacks occurred under the watch of law enforcement, with no FIRs registered, signals a disturbing lapse in legal and administrative accountability.

The Alliance called these assaults a clear violation of religious freedoms protected under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution and multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The Progressive Christian Alliance has demanded:

Immediate registration of FIRs against the perpetrators

Decisive action by the Chhattisgarh state government to bring those responsible to justice

Serial Church Attacks Rock Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh

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