AITC Team Alleges Attacks on Christians, Church Vandalism in West Bengal

A fact-finding team of the opposition All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) has alleged that Christians in West Bengal have faced intimidation, church vandalism and restrictions on religious practices since the BJP came to power in the state in May.

The three-member team, led by Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose, visited Christian establishments and educational institutions in Kolkata, North 24 Parganas and Paschim Medinipur districts on the instructions of party supremo Mamata Banerjee.

Ghose said the panel interacted with people who reported threats, denial of burial rights and difficulties in accessing civic facilities. She alleged that some Christians were being pressured to convert to Hinduism, while prayer meetings were disrupted by loud music and churches targeted by mobs.

The team also met the Archbishop of Kolkata, who, according to Ghose, expressed concern over the alleged attacks on Christians and the broader impact on democratic and humanitarian values. During a visit to Auxilium Convent in Simultala, Barasat, the nuns reportedly described threats from a group over construction work on their land. Ghose also cited an alleged attack on a Christian congregation and vandalism of a church in Jalalkhali near Krishnagar.

At Christ the King Church in Balichak, Paschim Medinipur, devotees reportedly told the team that the body of a Christian had been exhumed and cremated against the community's wishes in Moninathpur village. The delegation also visited Divine Mercy Church in Bamanpukur, North 24 Parganas. Ghose alleged that a person identifying himself as a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) activist had threatened the parish priest and pastors, demanding that they persuade their followers to return to Hinduism.

Sirsanya Bandopadhyay, another member of the team, alleged that Christian communities were facing organised intimidation and were being prevented from freely practising their religion. Ghose said the AITC would extend assistance to affected communities and asserted that West Bengal's tradition of religious pluralism must be protected.

There was no immediate response from the state government or police to the allegations. The report did not specify whether police complaints had been filed over the incidents cited by the delegation.