Bengal Christian body flags rising attacks on churches in state
Times of India | 12 July 2026
Kolkata: Bangiyo Christiyo Pariseba (BCP), a Bengal-based Christian advocacy organisation, has expressed deep concern and protest over what it described as systematic attacks on churches, false counter-cases, hate propaganda and police inaction targeting the Christian community in the state. Recent incidents across several districts reveal a disturbing pattern in which churches and prayer gatherings are first attacked by extremist groups, after which allegations of forced conversion are circulated to malign victims and weaken their legal position, the organisation said.
In its reaction, BCP cited a West Midnapore incident on July 4, when a private thanksgiving prayer and reception for a newlywed couple was allegedly disrupted by attackers who harassed women and destroyed traditional marital symbols. Police failed to restrain the mob and instead took pastor Rev Anup Ghosh into custody on baseless charges, the body alleged.
The organisation also referred to the July 5 attack on Grace Church at Faridpur Colony in East Burdwan’s Katwa where a mob allegedly vandalised the worship hall, looted cash, phones and documents, and damaged residential quarters despite a preventive complaint filed a day earlier. In Sonarpur’s Subhasgram, BCP said, a newly built church was attacked, and parts of it were vandalised. It further alleged that police initially refused acknowledgement and later omitted key legal sections relating to offences against religious places and sentiments.
BCP said similar incidents, including the attack on Bethel Church in Kharagpur and the arrest of its pastor, have created fear and insecurity among Christians in the state.
The organisation has temporarily deferred its planned solidarity visit to Subhasgram and a demonstration at Esplanade, after being informed by police that prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS were already in force at the proposed site.
While it would defer mobilisation efforts until restrictions are lifted, BCP said it would continue legal, administrative and diplomatic outreach, including memoranda to the governor, CM and senior political leadership. It appealed to churches and supporters to remain calm, united and prayerful.