Three Christian families in West Bengal, eastern India, were assaulted over three consecutive days by extremists trying to force them to renounce Christianity.
The attacks took place at Patlapur village in West Medinipur district when a group of 10-15 people attacked the houses of Lakshmi Mondal, 40, and her sisters-in-law – Bonoshri Mondal and Saraswati Mondal – on 18 and 19 October.
The attackers dragged the Christians out of their homes and tried to force them to perform religious rituals.
On 20 October, several of the attackers took Lakshmi’s husband, Tapan Mondal, and Saraswati Mondal’s husband, Ashok Mondal, to an isolated location. According to Ashok, the extremists threatened to kill them if they did not renounce their faith in Christ.
Further death threats were issued that day to Lakshmi and other members of her family.
Lakshmi then lodged a First Information Report (FIR) with the police in which she named 13 individuals who attacked her house on 18 October.
The police have registered the FIR and assured the families of security and that the incident will be investigated. To date, no arrests have been made.
In condemning the attack church leaders and expressed concern over continuous assaults on Christians in the state in recent months.
“We condemn this brutal attack on Christian families and demand immediate arrest of the culprits,” said Herod Mullick, founding secretary of the Bengal Christian Council (BCC).
This incident comes just weeks after the BCC sent a memorandum to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari calling for a halt to violence and harassment directed by extremist mobs toward Christians.
How you can pray
Pray for protection for Christians in West Bengal in the face of such threats. Pray for increased security for those assaulted and for recovery from their ordeal. Ask the Lord to guide the authorities to identify those responsible and bring them to justice and repentance. Pray that He will use even such horrific incidents for the furtherance of His kingdom in the state, and across India, as the light of the Gospel shines amid spiritual darkness.
