A group of Christmas carolers was brutally attacked by a mob of Hindu nationalists in South India on Dec. 21, 2025. The incident occurred when the Christian carolers gathered at the home of another Christian in Nalthur village in Telangana state.

Around 8 p.m., about 60 Hindus surrounded the house, shouting anti-Christian slogans before bursting into the home and beating those gathered to celebrate Christmas. Members of the mob pulled Pastor Simon to the ground and beat him unconscious with stones. The pastor suffered a swollen head and other serious injuries.

Two other people, including a 46-year-old woman, were also severely injured in the attack. The woman, who has a kidney condition, collapsed after the attackers kicked her in her back and stomach.

The third badly injured person, 24-year-old Joshua, was kicked in his stomach and punched in his face and head. His back was also badly injured. As a result, he can’t sit or stand.

During the attack, the mob accused the Christians of being involved in conversion activities as part of their Christmas celebrations.

“We are proclaiming the message of peace and love that Jesus can offer to people, but we were brutally attacked,” said David, another pastor at the church. “I pleaded with them to leave us, but they continued their physical assaults against all of us.

Members of the church reported the attack to the police, who promised to take action. However, no arrests have been made.

Local Christians are in shock following the attack and remain concerned about the rising hate against Christians, especially during the Christmas season.

Many independent and house churches completely stopped singing Christmas carols due to fear of similar attacks. Some, however, continued their public Christmas celebrations with extra safety precautions in place.

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