Bajrang Dal mob assaults Christian families in West Bengal, forces Hindu rituals
A group linked to the Bajrang Dal entered three Christian homes in Paschim Medinipur, assaulted the residents and compelled them to perform Hindu rites.
Over three days in October, a mob of at least ten persons associated with the Hindutva group Bajrang Dal stormed the homes of three Christian families in Patlapur, Paschim Medinipur District. They assaulted 40-year-old Laxmi Mondal, slapped her, struck her head, tore her blouse and forced her to bathe as part of a so-called Hindu purification ritual, while threatening her 16-year-old daughter with abduction and rape. The attackers also entered the houses of Bonosree and Saraswati Mondal, beating them with an iron rod, breaking a lock, stealing Rs 20,000 and threatening a 15-year-old girl with murder.
The victims were later taken to a Durga Puja pandal and compelled to perform pushpanjali. Chandrakona police lodged an FIR against 13 suspects for crimes ranging from criminal trespass to attempted murder, but no one has yet been detained. Christian groups say the incident reflects a broader surge in attacks on minorities since the BJP assumed power in West Bengal.
Why it matters
The case illustrates escalating religious intimidation of minorities in India and challenges for law enforcement.
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