04/19/2019 India (International Christian Concern) – According to Morning Star News, a radicalized Adivasi attacked and severely beat a Christian couple in India’s northeastern state of Jharkhand. The perpetrator was arrested and jailed by local police, but the arrest has led to further instances of intolerance.

On April 1, Sanpitha Majhi, a 60-year-old Adivasi and follower of the Sarna religion, attacked Bale Murmu, a 28-year-old Christian women. According to Morning Star News, Majhi attacked Murmu while she was outside of her how washing utensils.

In the assault, Majhi “pressed [Murmu’s] breasts” with all his force and pushed her to the ground. Then, Majhi and his wife, Gouri Majhi, beat Murmu severely. Murmu’s husband, Jaata Murmu, attempted to rescue his wife, but was also beaten.

According to Morning Star News, Majhi attacked the Christian couple because he believed that the Christians had “forcefully converted” his daughter and son-in-law to Christianity. Following the attack, Majhi was arrested and jailed by local police. However, news of the arrest spread to other radicalized Adivasi people who formed a mob and harassed local Christians attempting to hold their regular worship service on April 7.

According to local Christians, attacks because of perceived instances of forced conversion have increased dramatically since the state government passed an anti-forced conversion law in August 2017.

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: [email protected].