Christian families allege mob assault and forced renunciation in West Bengal

Three Christian families in Chandrakona, Paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal, reported that a mob assaulted them on Oct 18‑19 and threatened lethal consequences unless they renounced Christianity. The families, who have lived in the area for three decades and converted about 18 months ago, also said they were forced to take part in religious rituals against their wishes. Nine family members lodged a police complaint on Oct 22, stating that a woman lost consciousness after the assault and a girl was also attacked. The complaint adds that the alleged attackers warned the families not to approach police. A senior police officer told PTI that a case has been registered, the accused have been named in the complaint, and their identities are being withheld for investigative reasons. Police escorted all nine complainants to the station, then returned them home and posted personnel in the neighbourhood to avert further incidents. The officer said the situation is under control but investigators are probing whether the clash stems from a local dispute, an old family feud, or another motive, and have not yet determined any political affiliation of the accused. Calls to District Magistrate Bijin Krishna for comment have so far gone unanswered. Police have said they will release full details after the investigation is completed.

Context

Communal tensions over religious conversion sometimes flare in parts of West Bengal, prompting police deployments to prevent escalation of violence.