Matters India Reporter

Bankura, Oct 18, 2025: A group of Christian families in Kayamati village, under Jangal Ghati Police Station in West Bengal’s Bankura district, were recently subjected to threats, social boycott, and physical assault following accusations from fellow villagers linking them to a rise in local deaths.

According to reports, 5–6 Christian families—long-time residents of the village—were ordered to leave by community members. When they refused, a “Shalishi Sabha” (village council) barred them from accessing public ponds, roads, and even the community well. The situation escalated with reported destruction of property, verbal abuse, and physical violence.

The families’ plea for protection was initially rejected by local police, who allegedly refused to register their complaint.

Upon learning of the incident, Pastor Biswajit Kujur, Secretary of the Bankura Bangiyo Christiyo Pariseva (BCP), informed the matter to the BCP State Leadership. Swift intervention followed. By the evening of October 17, the atmosphere of hostility had subsided, and normalcy was restored.

On the morning of October 18, the affected families contacted Pastor Biswajit to express their deep gratitude for the timely support. Pastor Biswajit, in turn, conveyed his thanks to the BCP leadership for their decisive action in safeguarding the rights and dignity of the persecuted families.

The situation in Kayamati village is now reported to be peaceful.

This is not an isolated incident. In recent years, West Bengal has witnessed a disturbing rise in hostility toward Christian minorities, particularly in rural districts.

In May 2025, twelve Christian families in Purba Burdhaman district were excommunicated from their village for embracing Christianity. Facing beatings and threats, they fled to nearby areas, with some found living under open skies before receiving emergency aid.

In February 2025, a Christian family in Panshkura, Purba Medinipur, was attacked by a mob after being accused of offering financial incentives for religious conversion. Their home was vandalized, and prayer attendees were assaulted. A video of the attack circulated widely, but no arrests were reported.

Earlier in August 2022, Christian evangelist Karthridasan Madhavan was burned alive in Gobindapur village, Jhargram district. The only Christian in his extended family, Madhavan had returned home for his daughter’s wedding when he was pressured to renounce his faith. Upon refusing, he was reportedly assaulted by family members and villagers, dragged from a church in Bankura, and set on fire. Police dismissed the case as a “family matter,” drawing widespread condemnation from Christian advocacy groups.

These incidents underscore a growing climate of religious intolerance and the urgent need for stronger legal protections and community awareness. Christian leaders across the state continue to call for justice, dialogue, and the safeguarding of constitutional rights.

As Pastor Biswajit Kujur affirmed, “We are not just defending faith—we are defending the right to live with dignity and without fear.