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A series of alleged attacks on Christians in India’s West Bengal (WB) has sparked fear among members of the community. In Panskura, Purba Medinipur district, a Christian family has accused a group of people identifying themselves as members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) of assaulting them and threatening to deprive them of government services.
Parvati Hembram Soren, one of the alleged victims, said her family was preparing to hold a prayer session on Monday night when more than 30 people, reportedly under the influence of alcohol, forcibly entered their home and attacked them.
“They grabbed me by the hair and beat me. They said they would not allow us to live in our own house. They hurled abusive language at my husband. Some of our relatives were also present, and they assaulted my sister-in-law as well. They tried to snatch our phones,” Soren said.
Just days earlier, during Durga Puja, a group of people identifying themselves as members of the Bajrang Dal were accused of attacking several Christian families in Chandrakona, Paschim Medinipur.
Since the political change in West Bengal in May this year, several incidents of alleged attacks on Christians have been reported. According to an analysis by research organisation India Hate Lab, 60 incidents targeting Christians were documented across 13 districts of the state between May 13 and September 20.
What Happened During the Attack?
Soren, a resident of Panskura, alleged that the attackers had threatened her family before. According to her, the same individuals visited their home on October 11 and threatened them for practising Christianity.
“They came to our house like thieves between 7pm and 9pm last night after drinking alcohol. They arrived under the cover of darkness, making it impossible for outsiders to record what was happening. I recorded a video on my phone, but they snatched it and deleted the footage. I eventually got my phone back from the police,” she said.
She further alleged that the attackers were pressuring her family to abandon Christianity and return to Hinduism.
“They are putting pressure on us to leave Christianity and return to Hinduism. We told them that we had chosen Christianity of our own free will and were practising our faith. That is why we are being beaten,” she said.
Herod Mallick, founder of the organisation Bangiya Christian Seva, said one of the organisation’s lawyers had called the complainant to assess the situation. During the phone conversation, the alleged attackers reportedly snatched her phone.
They also allegedly identified themselves as VHP members and threatened the lawyer over the phone. After realising that she was speaking to a lawyer, they reportedly disconnected the call.
The attackers allegedly described Christianity as an “American religion” and urged the family to embrace Hinduism.
Soren said they were also being forced to construct a Tulsi platform and a Manasa temple in their courtyard.
“They were forcing us to build a Tulsi platform and a Manasa temple in our courtyard. We told them that we are Christians and would not do that. Now they are telling people not to give us work. They have threatened to disconnect our electricity and water supplies and deny us access to ration benefits and the Ayushman Bharat scheme. They are also threatening anyone who tries to help us,” she alleged.
At the time of Monday night’s incident, Soren was at home with her husband, their two young children and three other relatives.
“Our place of worship was set on fire and vandalised. We were dragged outside and beaten. They attacked me and slapped my sister-in-law several times. They also verbally abused my husband,” she said.
She further alleged that the attackers threatened to return and assault the family again, this time bringing 50 to 100 people.
“Even though we have filed a complaint, the police have not yet registered a case,” she claimed.
Fearing for their safety, Soren and her family have taken shelter at a relative’s home.
“My husband drives a toto (electric rickshaw). We had to take a loan of Tk 200,000 to buy it. In this situation, I don’t know how we will stay safe or repay the loan,” she said. Source: BBC Bangla.
