Significant Decline in Communal Riots in India, Yet Systemic Violence Persists

A recent report reveals a significant drop in communal riots in India in 2025, with numbers falling from 59 to 28. However, the study highlights a troubling shift towards systemic violence and discrimination against minority communities, particularly Muslims and Christians. While mob lynchings have slightly increased, the report emphasizes the ongoing institutional bias and the rise of hate speech. Maharashtra, Gujarat, and West Bengal are identified as the states with the most riots, with many incidents linked to religious festivals. Additionally, the report notes a concerning rise in violence against Christians, particularly during Christmas celebrations. This complex landscape of communal tensions calls for urgent reforms in law enforcement and accountability.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 2, 2026, 15:30 IST

Overview of Communal Violence Trends

A recent report from a civil society organization indicates that the number of communal riots in India dropped by over 50% in 2025 compared to the previous year. However, the nature of religion-based violence has evolved into more systemic forms, according to the Centre for Study of Society and Secularism.

In 2025, there were 28 reported communal riots, a significant decrease from 59 in 2024, representing a 52% decline. These incidents resulted in four fatalities and 360 injuries.

Conversely, incidents of mob lynching saw a slight uptick, with 14 cases leading to eight deaths in 2025, compared to 13 cases and 11 deaths the previous year.

The findings were based on reports from various prominent newspapers in Mumbai.

Despite the reduction in riots, the organization noted a persistent trend of identity-based conflict and religious animosity, which has taken on new forms.

It highlighted ongoing institutional discrimination against Muslim and Christian communities, including the marginalization of their cultures in public life, the rise of hate speech, and the lack of accountability for extremist groups.

Simultaneously, there has been an increase in the visibility and dominance of Hindu festivals and symbols in public spaces, reinforcing a majoritarian cultural narrative.

Regional Breakdown of Riots

Maharashtra, Gujarat, and West Bengal Lead in Riot Incidents

Maharashtra reported the highest number of communal riots, accounting for seven of the total 28. West Bengal and Gujarat followed closely with four each. Other states like Madhya Pradesh recorded three, while Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Assam, and Uttarakhand had two each. Bihar and Odisha each reported one incident.

Collectively, Maharashtra and Gujarat represented nearly 40% of all riots, with eastern states contributing 37% and northern states 25%. Notably, no incidents were reported in southern states.

Religious processions and festivals triggered nine of the 28 riots, including clashes during Ram Navami in West Bengal and Jharkhand, Hanuman Jayanti in Madhya Pradesh, Eid celebrations in Assam, and garba events in Gujarat. Other riots stemmed from protests related to the Waqf Amendment Act, resulting in fatalities, including a Hindu father and son in Murshidabad, West Bengal.

The report emphasized that while state governments have made efforts to ensure justice for Hindu victims of communal violence, there is a concerning lack of similar outcomes for Muslim victims, raising questions about institutional bias.

It was noted that state governments, particularly those led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, often intervened on behalf of Hindu rioters, disproportionately targeting Muslim communities.

These patterns underscore systemic failures in state responses to mob violence, highlighting the urgent need for impartial law enforcement and institutional reforms to protect vulnerable groups and uphold the rule of law.

Rising Anti-Christian Violence

Escalation of Attacks on Christian Communities

The report also pointed to a troubling rise in violence against Christians, particularly during Christmas celebrations, indicating a more organized and aggressive pattern of attacks in 2025 compared to previous years. Data from the United Christian Forum revealed 706 incidents of violence against Christians by November, many linked to anti-conversion sentiments.

One particularly severe form of violence reported involved the denial of burial rights to Christians, especially in tribal areas like Chhattisgarh.