On June 21, a peaceful Sunday prayer meeting in Raniganj, Paschim Bardhaman district of West Bengal, was violently interrupted by members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP).
The Hindutva group stormed the gathering, alleging that Hindu women were being coerced into converting to Christianity.
Video footage from the incident shows the attackers snatching Bibles from worshippers, physically assaulting some participants, and raising religious slogans. One of the assailants declared, “With the help of this Bible, they are luring Hindu women and converting them.” He further warned that the VHP and Bajrang Dal would not allow such activities to continue.
Police personnel were present at the site during the confrontation. When Christian women present asserted that their conversions were entirely voluntary and free of any force or inducement, they were reportedly threatened by the mob.
Approximately 25 individuals involved in the disturbance were handed over to the police. The Paschim Bardhaman Police could not be reached for an official comment.
West Bengal currently lacks an anti-conversion law. The incident comes shortly after a significant political shift in the state. In May, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) assumed power in Bengal by defeating the long-dominant Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Banerjee.
The event has raised concerns about religious tensions and the protection of minority worship practices in the region.
This story was originally published in muslimmirror.com.