By Matters India Reporter
Kolkata October 27, 2026: A Christian family in West Arjunda village in West Bengal’s East Medinipur district was allegedly assaulted by a group of attackers on Oct. 26, leaving a woman unconscious and prompting allegations of delayed police response.
The attack occurred around 6:30 p.m. at the home of Parbati Hembram Soren, according to local reports.
Family members said a group of assailants forced their way into the house, confined those inside and physically assaulted them. Parbati Soren reportedly lost consciousness after being severely beaten.
Samir, a local contact, said the attackers identified themselves as members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP, World Hindu Council).
Family members said they immediately informed Panskura police station and the district superintendent of police’s control room. They alleged that no police personnel arrived for more than an hour despite assurances that a team had been dispatched.
The family belongs to Christ the King Mission Church under Balichak Catholic Parish.
The incident followed an earlier confrontation on Oct. 11, when local residents allegedly harassed and threatened the family. According to a police complaint filed Oct. 12, several individuals were accused of intimidating the family and demanding that they abandon Christianity and convert to Hinduism.
The complaint alleged that the accused described Christianity as an “American religion” and ordered the family to convert within a week.
They also alleged that the accused demanded they abandon Christianity and adopt Hindu religious practices, including building a tulsi (holy basil) shrine in their courtyard and planting a Manasa tree associated with the worship of the Hindu serpent goddess Manasa.
The family further alleged that it was threatened with social and economic boycott, including exclusion from the local market and loss of welfare benefits such as ration cards and Ayushman Bharat health insurance cards, which provide access to publicly funded medical coverage.
The complaint said the family was also threatened with the demolition of its home and death if it refused to comply.
Concerned residents later went to the village to assist the family and seek legal remedies. The matter was communicated to an advocate who agreed to pursue legal action.
Police later visited the village, spoke with the victims and advised them to remain at home. Officers also assisted the injured family members in obtaining medical examinations.
Efforts were underway on Oct. 27 to file a first information report, or official police complaint.
Family members and supporters said no action had yet been taken against the alleged attackers, who they claimed continued to move freely around the village, causing fear among the victims.