A disturbing video circulating on social media has once again raised troubling questions about religious freedom and minority rights in West Bengal. Shared by journalist Arfa Khanum Sherwani on July 24, 2026, the footage, reportedly from Baruipur in South 24 Parganas, shows a group of Christian women walking. According to the post, the women were surrounded, chased, and verbally abused by a mob that allegedly branded them “bejaat Hindus” (“degraded Hindus”), accused them of converting for money, and even told them to leave the country.
The two-and-a-half-minute video captures visibly distressed women attempting to walk away as they are followed and confronted. While the specific incident has so far circulated mainly on social media and has not yet received extensive mainstream English-language coverage, it comes against the backdrop of a broader pattern of reported attacks on Christians since the BJP assumed power in West Bengal in May 2026.
Christian organisations, including the Bangiya Christiya Pariseba (Bengal Christian Council), have alleged that intimidation, disruption of worship, and accusations of forced religious conversion have become increasingly frequent. Christians constitute less than one percent of West Bengal’s population, making these allegations particularly concerning.
Several incidents reported in early July appear to reinforce these fears. In South 24 Parganas, an under-construction church was vandalised and crosses destroyed while slogans of “Jai Shri Ram” were reportedly shouted.
In Purba Bardhaman, Grace Church was allegedly attacked during Sunday service, with worshippers assaulted and property looted. In Murshidabad, a Christian widow claimed she was pressured to renounce her faith and surrender her property for the construction of a temple. Prayer meetings in Bankura and Paschim Medinipur were also reportedly disrupted, with Bibles confiscated, pastors detained, and worshippers, including women and children, harassed.
These reports originate largely from Christian media organisations and community groups. While police have registered FIRs in several cases and state that investigations are ongoing, independent verification of every allegation varies, and authorities have not acknowledged any coordinated campaign. Nevertheless, the growing number of similar complaints has deepened fears among Christian communities, many of whom say they now hesitate to display religious symbols or gather publicly for worship.
Regardless of faith or political affiliation, harassment, intimidation, or violence against any religious community violates both the Constitution of India and the nation’s commitment to religious liberty. Every allegation deserves a fair, impartial investigation, and every citizen deserves equal protection under the law.
