Allegations of attacks on Christians in West Bengal: 60 incidents recorded

Allegations have emerged of multiple attacks on members of the Christian community in West Bengal state. A Christian family living in the Panskura area of East Midnapore district has accused people identifying themselves as Vishwa Hindu Parishad members of entering their home, attacking them, and threatening to cut off government facilities.

'They grabbed my hair and beat me. They said they would not let us live in this house. They beat my sisters too,' Parvati Hembram told a media outlet. During Durga Puja, several Christian families in the Chandrakona area of West Midnapore district were also allegedly attacked.

Since a change of government took place in the state in May this year, numerous reports of attacks against the Christian community have emerged.

Data released by India Hate Lab, a research organisation, shows that 60 incidents targeting Christians were recorded across 13 districts of the state between May 13 and September 20.

The figures add to a wider debate in India about the safety of religious minorities and the response of state authorities to communal violence. Civil society groups have called for independent investigations into the reported incidents.