West Bengal: Pastor Allegedly Taken During Prayer Service as Presbyterian House Church Is Vandalised

West Bengal: Pastor Allegedly Taken During Prayer Service as Presbyterian House Church Is Vandalised West Bengal, India — September 10, 2026: Two separate incidents involving Christian prayer gatherings were reported in West Bengal on September 6, with Christian organisations expressing concern over alleged interference with worship services. The first incident was reported in Nandapurya village in West Medinipur district. According to Christian community representatives, around 25 people allegedly entered a Christian home where Pastor Sukhendu Singh was conducting a Sunday prayer service attended by members of eight Christian families from nearby villages. A Christian eyewitness, Purna Hembram, alleged that the group threatened the pastor and took him away from the location. Victor Behera, state coordinator of the Bengal Christian Council, also known as Bangiya Christiya Pariseba, alleged that Singh was taken to a local office of the Bharatiya Janata Party, where he was subjected to abuse. He was reportedly released later that evening after allegedly being made to sign an undertaking stating that he would not return to the villages to conduct prayer services. Behera further alleged that the pastor was instructed to record a video telling Christian families that Christianity was a foreign religion and encouraging them to return to Hinduism. Lawyer Samarjeet Dey is reportedly assisting those affected in filing a police complaint. Presbyterian House Church Reportedly Vandalised A separate incident was reported the same morning in Rangilabasan village in East Medinipur district. According to a Presbyterian church member who witnessed the incident, around 125 people allegedly entered a private residence that was being used as a temporary place of worship. Most members of the congregation had reportedly left after the morning prayer service when the crowd arrived. Chhabi Das alleged that the property was vandalised and that a cross at the location was broken into four pieces. Tapan Samanta, whose home was being used for the prayer gathering, was also allegedly assaulted. Das said that local police had previously received written information about the Sunday worship services conducted at the residence. After hearing the disturbance, several women from the area reportedly arrived and attempted to intervene. According to Das, some of the women and Samanta were taken to a local police station but were later released. Christian Leaders Call for Investigation Herod Mullick, founding secretary of the Bengal Christian Council, expressed concern over the reported incidents. He said Christian organisations had previously received assurances from authorities that worshippers would be protected. Father Dominic Gomes, chancellor of the Archdiocese of Calcutta, condemned the reported violence and intimidation. He called on police and district authorities to conduct a prompt and impartial investigation, identify those responsible regardless of their identity or affiliation, and protect the affected Christian communities. John Dayal, spokesperson for the All India Catholic Union, said the reported incidents were part of growing concerns about attacks and disruptions affecting Christian communities in West Bengal. Christian organisations have also raised concerns about alleged interference with house prayers and other religious activities in different parts of the state. At the same time, authorities and other parties have raised allegations of forced religious conversion in connection with some disputes involving Christian gatherings. The allegations related to the September 6 incidents remain subject to investigation. Christian leaders are calling on authorities to ensure the protection of worshippers and to handle complaints fairly and according to law.