West Bengal: Mob Vandalises Under-Construction Church in Sonarpur, FIR Filed

Sonarpur, West Bengal – Tensions have risen in the Buri Bot Tola area of Subhasgram, Sonarpur, after a mob vandalised an under-construction church on Sunday. The incident occurred around 3 pm when approximately 100 people gathered near the church, alleging forced conversions.

According to local residents, the mob entered the structure, damaged three crosses on the roof, and threatened members of the congregation. The church, still under construction with a tin roof, stood in the middle of the Subhasgram area under Sonarpur police station in South 24 Parganas district. Two newly erected pillars were found lying on the ground after the attack.

Barnali Bhiyan (44), a community member, said, “We have not faced such a situation before. They claimed we were converting people and started ransacking the church. We tried to protest, but there were so many of them.”

The local Christian community, a small group of families, reported that painting work was ongoing inside the church when the mob barged in. No injuries were reported, but the community expressed fear and anxiety.

Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including unlawful assembly, rioting, and criminal intimidation. Senior police officials visited the spot and assured action against the perpetrators.

West Bengal has witnessed sporadic incidents of religious tensions in the past. The state government has urged calm and directed the police to maintain law and order. Opposition leaders have criticised the ruling party, accusing it of failing to protect minority communities.

The incident has drawn attention to ongoing debates about religious freedom and conversions in India. The Constitution guarantees the right to profess, practise, and propagate religion, subject to public order and morality.