A radical Hindu mob recently attacked a Christian family in Chhattisgarh after they refused to participate in a Hindu reconversion ceremony called Ghar Wapsi. 

The mob tore down the roof of the family’s home, leaving seven people exposed to heavy monsoon rains and unable to live safely in the structure. 

According to local sources, around 8 a.m. on July 2, a group of nearly 100 anti-Christian activists, led by Bisahu Dhruv, Mansa Gawde, and Phoolsingh Gawde, surrounded the home of “Kamal Sinha” to force him to undergo Ghar Wapsi. When Sinha refused, tensions escalated, and the mob climbed onto the roof and ripped it apart. 

“All of our harvested crops were drenched in the rainwater after the roof was destroyed,” Sinha said.  

Dhruv, the leader of the mob, confronted Sinha, demanding that he and his family leave the Christian religion.  

“By becoming Christians, you have polluted the village and defiled our gods and goddesses,” Dhruv told Sinha. “You should not live here. You do not worship our deities, do not offer coconuts or other offerings, and do not accept the prasad given to our gods. And you follow another religion and another God. Therefore, leave the village. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to live here. We will stop your farming, demolish your house, and drive your entire family out.” 

As a result of the attack and ongoing pressure, Sinha’s family was forced to shut down their small grocery shop. The water and electricity connections were also cut off to Sinha’s house. 

Christians in Chhattisgarh are increasingly forcibly evicted from their homes in villages. Just this year, hundreds of families have become homeless, building temporary shelters in the nearby forest region.

The central Indian state of Chhattisgarh is one of the 13 states where anti-conversion laws are in place. They are weaponized to harass and intimidate Christians, making their lives difficult. 

To read more news stories, visit the ICC Newsroom. For interviews, please email us. To support ICC’s work around the world, please give to our Where Most Needed Fund.