By Thomas Edwards
Four Christian families have had their homes destroyed in a village in India’s Maharashtra state after they refused to abandon their faith.
A group of about 20 people in Midapalli village, located in Gadchiroli district, confronted six Christian families, totalling around 25 individuals, and issued an ultimatum, according to the UK-based advocacy group Christian Solidarity Worldwide.
The houses of four families who refused to convert were then destroyed. When the matter was brought to the local police, the authorities took the side of the perpetrators and offered no protection to the families.
Commenting on the case, Mervyn Thomas, founder and president of Christian Solidarity Worldwide, said: “It is deeply concerning to witness the grave and unacceptable assault and humiliation these families have been subjected to on account of their religion.
“Even more alarming is the failure of the police to protect these vulnerable citizens, which has emboldened the perpetrators.
“We call upon the district administration and state authorities to intervene as a matter of urgency, ensuring the safety of the affected families, restoring their rights, compensating them for the loss of their homes, and holding those responsible to account under the law.”
India has seen a steady increase in Christian persecution in recent years. Since Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is broadly associated with Hindu nationalism, came to power in 2014, attacks have reached new heights. Data released by International Christian Concern suggests that attacks against Christians in India have increased more than fivefold since the party assumed office, rising from 127 incidents in 2014 to 745 in 2024.
This story was originally published in thecatholicherald.com. Read the full story here.