Violence Erupts During Church Inauguration in West Bengal
Incident Overview
Representational Image
Kolkata, Nov 2: A church inauguration in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal turned violent when a group reportedly vandalized the venue and attacked priests and attendees, resulting in injuries, according to police reports.
Details of the Attack
Authorities indicated that the incident took place in Narayantala, within the Basanti police jurisdiction, on Saturday. Bishop Subrata Chakraborty, along with several priests and worshippers, had gathered for the ceremony when the attack occurred.
"A complaint has been filed stating that around 30 to 35 individuals entered the church grounds and assaulted those present. Women were reportedly attacked and coerced into removing their traditional 'shakha' (white bangles) before being expelled from the site," a police officer disclosed on Sunday.
Consequences of the Attack
The assailants allegedly damaged a church Cross, assaulted both priests and attendees, and destroyed mobile phones of individuals attempting to document the violence. They also threatened to disrupt religious activities at the location, as reported by congregation members.
In response to the incident, police have launched an investigation, which has been met with strong condemnation from the Bangiya Christiya Pariseba (BCP), a Christian organization. They labeled the attack as an effort to intimidate the minority community.
Statements from Community Leaders
Herod Mullick, the founder state secretary and working president of BCP, remarked, "This is an unprecedented incident where miscreants have assaulted multiple priests during an inauguration ceremony with the bishop present."
He further stated, "Organized groups are taking the law into their own hands to target peaceful minorities. With no significant deterrence from the authorities, these attackers have become emboldened enough to assault priests of an established church without fear of repercussions."
Previous Incidents
Just weeks prior, three Christian families in Paschim Medinipur district reported threats and assaults from a group attempting to force them to abandon their faith. These families, who converted to Christianity approximately 18 months ago, claimed they were coerced into participating in religious rituals against their will.