A pastor in the central state of Chhattisgarh has become the latest victim of religious violence, highlighting the growing concerns over the treatment of religious minorities in the country.
On 21 July, Pastor Varghese Chacko was attending a house-warming prayer meeting at the home of a church member in the town of Dhamtari when he was confronted by a group of approximately 20 villagers, primarily young adults. The incident unfolded next to a Hindu temple, from which the group had reportedly been observing the Christian gathering.
According to local sources, the mob forcibly entered the house shortly after Pastor Chacko's arrival, demanding an end to the prayer meeting and accusing the Christians of "illegal conversion." The group proceeded to alert the police, who swiftly arrived at the scene and instructed the pastor to leave the premises.
As Pastor Chacko attempted to depart, the situation escalated dramatically. The mob punctured one of his car tyres, forcing him to seek repairs at a nearby mechanic. However, the respite was short-lived. The group pursued the pastor to another temple in the vicinity, where they halted his vehicle, forcibly removed him and subjected him to a brutal assault with rods.
The attack left Pastor Chacko with extensive bruising across his body and head injuries. In a disturbing turn of events, the assailants then dragged him to yet another temple, where they reportedly compelled him to kneel and bow his head before a Hindu idol.
Despite his injuries, Pastor Chacko managed to drive to a friend's house, who is also a doctor, where he received initial treatment and two stitches. A subsequent CT scan at a hospital on 22 July revealed no internal injuries, according to reports.
This incident is the latest in a series targeting the Christian community in the state of Chhattisgarh, where two Christians have reportedly been murdered in recent months.
It was also reported from Dhamtari that on 20 July, tensions flared up in Sambalpur village, when Christians were summoned for a public meeting by villagers who were alleging that the Christians were constructing an illegal Church in the village. The villagers threatened the Christians and then submitted memorandums against the construction of the Church to Hindu groups and to local authorities, asking them to halt the construction.
Speaking to Christian Today, Arun Pannalal, president of the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum said, "The Chhattisgarh Civil Forum (CGCF) has escalated concerns over recent police inaction to the highest level. After receiving no response from the state's home minister or chief minister regarding two deaths allegedly resulting from police failure, the CGCF submitted a memorandum to Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Bandi Sanjay Kumar. The Minister expressed his dismay at the situation, deeming the deaths a 'very serious matter.' He assured the CGCF delegation of swift action on the issue."
