West Bengal: Pastor assaulted at home over alleged religious conversion charges

New Delhi , August 24 : A 55-year-old Protestant pastor, Joy Sutradhar, was allegedly assaulted after a mob of around 25 people barged into his residence in Satgachia, Purba Bardhaman district, West Bengal, on August 18. The attackers allegedly accused him of carrying out religious conversions among villagers and threatened his family.

 

 

According to local sources, the group allegedly affiliated with Hindutva organisations confronted Sutradhar at his home and accused him of converting local residents. The mob reportedly warned the pastor and his family to vacate the house or face further consequences.

 

The incident took a further serious turn when members of the group allegedly threatened Sutradhar’s daughter after she recorded the attack on her mobile phone. She was reportedly asked to delete the footage.

 

 

Christian community leaders have condemned the incident and called for immediate action against those responsible. Herod Mullick, founder secretary of Bangiya Christiya Pariseba (Bengal Christian Council), described the incident as an unprovoked assault on a pastor who has been serving the community for nearly two decades.

 

The organisation’s legal cell has filed a criminal complaint on Sutradhar’s behalf. However, according to Mullick, police had not arrested any of the alleged attackers at the time of his statement.

 

 

 

Father Dominic Gomes, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Calcutta, also expressed concern over the alleged assault and intimidation of the pastor’s family. He urged the police and civil administration to ensure their safety and conduct a prompt and impartial investigation.

 

The incident has also triggered concerns among Christian leaders over the security of religious minorities in West Bengal. John Dayal of the All India Catholic Union alleged that incidents targeting Christians and Muslims have increased following the BJP’s victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections in May 2026.