Subhashgram Church Vandalism Sparks Fresh Fears Over Attacks on Christians in West Bengal

Kolkata, July 6: The alleged vandalism of a church under construction in Subhashgram, South 24 Parganas, has intensified concerns over the safety of Christians in West Bengal, with Church leaders and rights groups warning of a series of attacks targeting Christian communities across the state. They have urged the government to ensure the protection of places of worship, uphold religious freedom, and bring those responsible to justice.

According to local residents, a mob allegedly stormed the church under construction in Subhashgram on July 5, raising slogans such as "Jai Shri Ram" and "Hindu Hindu Bhai Bhai" while damaging the property. Several crosses installed at the site were reportedly vandalised, leaving members of the local Christian community deeply distressed. Residents described the incident as an attack on both their place of worship and their religious identity.

The Subhashgram incident was among several reported from different parts of West Bengal on the same day.

In Murshidabad district, a Christian widow, Barnali Chatterjee, was allegedly attacked after refusing to renounce her faith. According to local reports, a group entered her home, damaged household property and pressured her to surrender her land for the construction of a Hindu temple.

In Bankura district, Pastor Rajib Das alleged that activists interrupted a prayer meeting, confiscated Bibles and briefly detained worshippers, including women and children, before releasing them without filing any charges.

Another attack was reported at a Mizo Synod church in Suvas Gram, Sonarpur, where church leaders said vandals smashed windows, desecrated the altar, damaged musical instruments and left threatening graffiti warning Christians against holding future prayer services.

Grace Church in Faridpur, Purba Bardhaman district, was also allegedly attacked during Sunday worship. Pastor Surajit Ghosh said a mob entered the church, vandalised the premises and assaulted members of the congregation. He further alleged that false accusations had been circulated to incite hostility against the church. Police later escorted the pastor and several church members to safety.

The Bangiya Chrisiyo Parisheba (Bengal Christian Council), an umbrella body representing Christian denominations in eastern and north-eastern India, has offered legal assistance to the affected churches and appealed to the West Bengal government to ensure justice for the victims and strengthen protection for minority communities.

Church leaders have called for impartial investigations into the incidents, strict action against those responsible, and renewed efforts to safeguard the constitutional right to freedom of religion and preserve communal harmony in the state.

Courtesy Matters India 

Picture Courtesy : Matters India