By Matters India Reporter
Kolkata, August 16, 2026: A private prayer gathering in Dharma Rosulla village under Medinipur Sadar (Kotwali) Police Station in West Bengal turned violent on August 16 when a group stormed the residence of Asit Murmu, vandalized property, and brutally assaulted women attending the service.
Shockingly, police later detained the victims — 16 women along with their children — and took them to the station.
According to Murmu, the attackers accused participants of “illegal religious conversion” before unleashing chaos. Household items were destroyed, and women were mercilessly beaten.
Buddha, a visitor from Medinipur town who had come to lead the prayers, was subjected to severe physical torture. The violence reportedly continued for nearly three hours before the assailants themselves contacted the police.
Murmu recounted that his family began hosting Sunday prayers after his sister’s recovery from a critical illness through prayer three years ago. “No one is coerced or lured here; women come voluntarily,” he said, calling the assault “barbaric.”
Bangiya Christiyo Pariseba or Bengal Christian Council (BCP), State Coordinator Victor Behera confirmed that the organization’s legal cell, led by advocates Aditya Tiwari and Samarjit Dey, has initiated swift legal action. The council is a united forum of denominational Christians in East and North-East India.
Allegations also surfaced that Murmu was initially barred from entering the police station until intervention by Advocate Dey. A BCP delegation from Medinipur has been dispatched to support the victimized family and assess the situation.