CSW reported an attack on a Christian church in Chhattisgarh, India

The international human rights organization Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) has expressed deep concern over reports of a mob attack on a church in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. According to the organization, the incident occurred during a Sunday service in the village of Sadrapal; the victims reportedly included children and a pregnant woman.

As reported by Christian Today, about 100 villagers gathered at the church, where approximately 60 Christians had gathered for their weekly service. According to available information, the attackers demanded that the worshippers renounce their faith, and when they refused, the attackers resorted to physical violence.

No one was killed in the attack, but many of those attending the service sustained injuries. CSW sources claim that the victims were initially denied treatment at a local hospital because the police did not open an investigation until nearly a week after the incident. Two days after the police investigation began, 12 people were detained, but all were subsequently released.

According to Christian Today, Christians in this village had been facing discrimination from other residents for some time. In particular, their access to local water sources was allegedly restricted. Human rights activists view such actions as a form of social boycott, which Christian communities in certain regions of India face regularly: they may be denied service in stores or have their businesses boycotted.

As noted in the publication, the situation may also be complicated by actions taken by state authorities. According to Open Doors, house churches were banned in Chhattisgarh under the pretext of maintaining “cultural harmony.” In addition, many Indian states have so-called anti-conversion laws in place. Formally, these laws are intended to protect people from being forced to change their religion; however, in practice, according to human rights advocates, they are often used against non-Hindu religious practices.

CSW Advocacy Director Anna Lee Stangl stated that the organization is “deeply concerned” about the latest attack on Christians in Chhattisgarh, particularly reports that a hospital initially refused to provide care to those in need. She called on the relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate these allegations, hold all those involved in the violence accountable, and ensure the protection of Christians who may remain at risk.