More than 25 Christians, including a pastor and his pregnant wife, were allegedly attacked during a Sunday prayer meeting in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district, according to Christian community leaders.
The incident reportedly took place on May 31 in Sadrapal village, where around 70 Christians had gathered for a regular worship service.
According to the Progressive Christian Alliance (PCA), a network of pastors, church leaders, and social workers, a group of non-Christian tribal residents allegedly interrupted the prayer meeting and attacked worshippers.
Pastor and Pregnant Wife Among Those Injured
The prayer gathering was reportedly led by Pastor Hunga Mandavi, a local Christian fellowship leader.
Witnesses said several worshippers, including Pastor Mandavi, were beaten during the attack.
Community members expressed concern over the alleged assault on Mandavi’s pregnant wife, saying the incident left many local Christians frightened and traumatised.
According to Christian representatives, between 25 and 30 believers suffered injuries, with at least five people reportedly sustaining serious wounds.
Some of the injured were treated at the primary health centre in Tongpal, while others were referred to the district hospital in Sukma for further treatment.
Christian Leaders Reject Land Dispute Claims
Local Christian leaders said the prayer gathering was peaceful and denied suggestions that the violence was linked to a land dispute.
They maintained that the attack was motivated by hostility toward Christian religious activities.
Pastor Simon Digbal Tandi, coordinator of the Progressive Christian Alliance, expressed concern over what he described as a rise in attacks against Christians.
“Almost every other day, we hear of such incidents in the state, and this can disturb communal harmony in local communities. Christian people are very worried,” he said.
FIR Filed, Investigation Demanded
Christian representatives said a First Information Report (FIR) has been filed in connection with the incident and several individuals have been named in the complaint.
Affected families have demanded a fair investigation and legal action against those responsible.
Christian leaders and rights groups have urged authorities to ensure the safety of victims and witnesses, provide medical treatment to those injured, and prevent similar incidents in the future.
