A disturbing pattern of incidents targeting Christian gatherings is emerging across Rajasthan, with the latest case reported in Banswara district on February 25, 2025. These events come amid growing concerns about religious freedom in the state following the introduction of new anti-conversion legislation.
New Detention in Banswara District
According to the latest reports from the ground, police from Loharia police station in Banswara district detained several individuals on February 25, 2025. The incident occurred in Ojaria village at the home of Ramlal Solanki, where a prayer meeting was underway. Following complaints from some local residents, police arrived at the scene and took several participants into custody.
Recent Detention in Rajsamand District
Just a day earlier, on February 24, 2025, authorities detained Pastor Dixon Lal following a prayer meeting in Kankroli, Rajsamand district. The incident began when a church gathering led by Pastor Dixon was being held at a private residence. A mob reportedly arrived at the location, followed shortly by police officials.
Authorities took six people into custody, including Pastor Dixon’s son. While several individuals were subsequently released, Pastor Dixon was charged under Section 151 and produced before the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Rajsamand court. Though granted bail, reports indicate that due to apparent political pressure, he remained in judicial custody overnight before being released on February 25, 2025.
Violent Attack on Worshippers in Bikaner
These detentions follow a more violent confrontation that occurred in Bikaner on February 16, 2025. At approximately 11:00 AM, a Sunday worship service led by Pastor Samuel was underway in a private residence in Bungalow Nagar when alleged members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) forcibly entered the premises.
Armed with sticks and iron rods, the intruders reportedly attacked the worshippers indiscriminately. Three attendees - identified as Haripal, Sampath, and a woman named Shobha - sustained severe injuries during the assault. Numerous other worshippers suffered bruises across their bodies.
In a concerning development, authorities took Pastor Samuel and seven other worshippers into custody following the attack. They were later released on bail after an FIR was filed against them. Despite the severity of the violence, no case has been registered against the alleged perpetrators of the attack.
Incident in Sabla, Dungarpur
Another distinct incident was reported in Sabla, Dungarpur, Rajasthan, where a church faced accusations of religious conversion, resulting in the temporary detention of six individuals who were later released after intervention from volunteers.
This marks the fourth reported incident against Christian gatherings in Rajasthan in recent days, suggesting a troubling trend of increasing hostility toward the minority religious community.
Controversial Media Coverage and Competing Narratives
Local Hindi-language newspapers have published accounts of the Bikaner incident that sharply diverge from the testimonies of those present at the prayer meeting. These publications have prominently featured allegations of conversion activities without equal representation of the Christian community’s perspective. The coverage consistently echoes the narratives promoted by certain religious organisations, raising questions about balanced reporting on matters involving religious minorities.
For instance, publications quote VHP district president Anil Sharma’s unsubstantiated claims that people were being offered financial incentives of 20,000-25,000 rupees to convert. Meanwhile, Haripal, one of those injured in the attack, maintains that they were simply engaged in prayer when several individuals entered the house and began assaulting them - a claim that receives significantly less prominence in local reporting.
Legal Backdrop and Anti-Conversion Legislation
These incidents occur against the backdrop of the Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill 2025, which was tabled before the state’s legislative assembly on February 4. The Bikaner attack represents the first reported violent incident following the introduction of this bill.
If enacted, this legislation would require individuals wishing to convert voluntarily to apply to a district magistrate 60 days in advance. Under the proposed law, forced conversion would be classified as a non-bailable offence, potentially resulting in substantial fines and imprisonment for up to 10 years. Significantly, the burden of proof would shift to the accused, requiring them to prove their innocence against allegations of forced conversion.
Broader Context
These events occur in a national context where 12 of India’s 28 states have already implemented anti-conversion laws, according to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.
As of press time, many of those detained in the Banswara incident remain in custody. Legal representatives for the Christian community have expressed intentions to pursue formal complaints regarding the violence in Bikaner, though concerns about reprisals have so far prevented official filings. Meanwhile, church leaders across the state report growing anxiety among their congregations, with some considering temporarily suspending public gatherings until tensions subside.
“We are simply trying to practice our faith peacefully,” said one pastor who requested anonymity due to safety concerns. “These incidents are creating an atmosphere of fear.”
