Extremist Mobs Attack Christian Worship Services in West Bengal, Pastor Abducted

KOLKATA, WEST BENGAL — Christians in West Bengal have reportedly faced attacks and intimidation following two separate incidents targeting worship services on Sunday, 6 September 2026. In the first incident, approximately 25 people reportedly entered a Christian home in Nandapurya village in West Medinipur district, where Pastor Sukhendu Singh was conducting a worship service attended by Christians from eight nearby families. According to witnesses cited by Barnabas Aid, the group threatened the pastor and forcibly took him away. He was reportedly held until late that evening and allegedly beaten before being released. The pastor was also reportedly forced to sign a written statement promising not to return to the surrounding villages to conduct prayer services. According to the Bengal Christian Council, he was further pressured to tell Christian families that Christianity was a foreign religion. A lawyer is reportedly assisting the church in preparing a complaint to the police regarding the incident. House Church Vandalised A separate incident occurred the same morning in Rangilabasan village in East Medinipur district. A group of around 125 people reportedly entered and vandalised a house church shortly after its morning worship service had ended. Most worshippers had already left the location before the attack. During the incident, the attackers reportedly damaged property, including breaking a cross into four pieces. The homeowner, Tapan Samanta, was also reportedly attacked and taken to a local police station. Some women from the church who attempted to intervene were reportedly taken along with him. They were later released. Christian leaders in the state have raised concerns about repeated disruptions and attacks affecting Sunday worship services. Herod Mullick, founding secretary of the Bengal Christian Council, said the incidents were alarming despite assurances from authorities. West Bengal is currently not among the Indian states that have enacted anti-conversion laws. Barnabas Aid's report noted that 13 Indian states have such laws. The reported incidents have renewed concerns about the safety of Christian worshippers and church leaders in parts of West Bengal. Christian communities are seeking stronger protection and the ability to conduct worship services without intimidation or violence.