Paschim Medinipur, October 24 — Congress general secretary K C Venugopal has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari demanding the immediate arrest of all accused in the alleged assault on three Christian families in the Chandrakona area of Paschim Medinipur district, and the invocation of the strongest applicable provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Source: PTI via Latestly
In his letter, Venugopal alleged that the families were beaten and threatened on October 18 and 19, that women were assaulted with intent to disrobe, and that on October 19 the families were allegedly taken to a Durga Puja pandal in the neighbouring village of Dingal and forced to offer anjali and undergo a so-called 'purification' ritual in front of onlookers. He alleged they were threatened that they would be burnt alive if they approached the police. These are allegations made in the Congress leader's letter; they have not been established in court.
Source: The Hindu via TechWordNews
According to police reporting, nine members of the three families — who converted to Christianity about 18 months ago — filed a complaint alleging they were assaulted and threatened for refusing to renounce their faith, and that a woman lost consciousness during the alleged attack. Police have registered a case against the individuals named in the complaint, have escorted the complainants to record their statements, and have deployed personnel near their homes, saying the situation is under control.
Source: Daily Jagran
Venugopal said a complaint made on the first day did not lead to effective police action and that an FIR naming 13 persons was registered only on October 20, after an advocate intervened on behalf of the families, with offences reportedly including attempt to murder, criminal trespass, assault with intent to disrobe, criminal intimidation, outraging the modesty of women and theft.
Source: PTI via Latestly
A senior police officer said the identities of the accused cannot be disclosed while the investigation is under way, and that investigators are examining all angles, including whether the incident grew out of a local dispute or a family feud. Police have not announced any arrests in the case so far.
Source: Mirror Now
Venugopal also cited civil-society documentation recording at least 60 incidents targeting Christians across 13 districts of West Bengal between May 13 and September 20, 2026, and argued that forcing any person, under threat of violence, to perform the rituals of another faith is an assault on the freedom of religion guaranteed under Article 25 of the Constitution. Awaaz Punjab is reporting the allegations as allegations; the police investigation is ongoing.