Six Injured as Mob Disrupts Christian Prayer Convention in Bengal

Krishnanagar, October 11, 2026: Six parishioners were injured, two of them seriously, when a group disrupted an annual Christian prayer convention at the Divine Love Retreat Centre in Jalalkhali, Nadia district, West Bengal, on October 9. The group reportedly damaged church property, targeted Christian religious symbols and forced organisers to suspend the gathering despite prior administrative permissions, Church representatives said.

The four-day convention, organised by the Vincentian Fathers for members of the Santhali Christian community, was scheduled from October 8 to 11. Church representatives have urged the state government to investigate the incident, prosecute those responsible and ensure protection for Christian religious gatherings.

The retreat centre, managed by the Vincentian Fathers from Kerala under the direction of Fr. Sam Thomas VC, has hosted the annual convention since 2008. Organisers said the gathering had continued peacefully for nearly 18 years.

Speaking to Catholic Connect, Fr. Ajay, secretary to the bishop, said the organisers had obtained the necessary government permissions, including approvals relating to the venue and sound systems. They had also requested police protection before the convention began, but adequate security was not provided, he said.

Group Targets Church and Religious Symbols

According to the organisers, the incident began on the afternoon of October 9, when several unidentified people from outside the locality entered the premises, enquired about the programme and recorded photographs and videos.

About an hour later, a group gathered outside the church gates with microphones and loudspeakers, delivering speeches against Christianity and accusing the organisers of conducting religious conversions.

Around 6 pm, members of the group attempted to tie Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) flags to the Cross installed in front of the church, the organisers said. When Christians objected, the electricity supply to the area was reportedly disconnected.

The group subsequently attacked the church premises, tore down banners erected for the convention and smashed the glass panels of the grotto outside the church. Six parishioners were injured during the incident, two of whom sustained serious injuries, according to Church representatives.

The regional public relations officer of the Vincentian Congregation described the incident as a planned attack involving people from outside the locality. He rejected the conversion accusations, maintaining that the gathering was exclusively for prayer and spiritual renewal.

Fr. Ajay said all those attending the convention were baptised Christians and that no unbaptised individuals were present.

Police Order Convention to Be Suspended

Police personnel arrived at the scene around 7 pm and intervened to restore order. However, provocative slogans reportedly continued as the group moved back towards its initial gathering point.

According to the organisers, police entered the retreat centre and questioned participants who had assembled for prayer. After the Additional Superintendent of Police arrived, the organisers were directed to discontinue the programme and disperse the gathering.

The organisers said police officials subsequently informed them that formal clearance from the Office of the Chief Minister of West Bengal would be required to resume the prayer service on October 10.

The directive caused distress among the organisers and participants, who questioned why further administrative approval was necessary when the convention had already received the required permissions. They also expressed concern that a peaceful religious gathering had been suspended following the disruption rather than being allowed to continue under adequate police protection.

Vincentians Reject Conversion Allegations

The Vincentian Congregation's PRO rejected claims that religious conversions had been taking place at the centre for 50 years. He pointed out that the church and retreat centre were established in the area only in 2006.

He also highlighted the congregation's educational and pastoral ministries in India and abroad, including its schools in West Bengal, and reiterated that the convention was intended for prayer and spiritual renewal.

Church Demands Action and Security

The Vincentian Congregation and community representatives have urged the state government and law enforcement authorities to identify those responsible and initiate appropriate legal proceedings.

The congregation's PRO referred to Sections 351 and 324 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deal with criminal intimidation and voluntarily causing hurt, respectively.

Church representatives have also called for adequate police protection and urged the authorities to uphold the constitutional right to freedom of religion, enabling Christian communities to conduct religious gatherings without intimidation.

The incident has raised concerns among local Christian representatives about the safety of religious minorities and the protection of peaceful worship. They have called for an impartial investigation and measures to prevent similar incidents.

Details of any formal police investigation, arrests or further administrative action were not available at the time of publication.

By Catholic Connect Reporter