A Christian family that runs Holy Kingdom English Higher Secondary School in Kawardha has gone into hiding after a violent attack by a mob linked to right-wing groups on May 18.
The attack happened during a Sunday prayer service at the school. Videos widely shared online show members of Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) entering the school, assaulting worshippers, and accusing the family of forced religious conversions — charges the family denies and says are baseless.
Pastor Jose Thomas, the school principal and a respected community leader for over 30 years, was arrested soon after the attack. His family says the charges are vague, politically motivated, and part of ongoing harassment and intimidation.
Joshua Jose Thomas, Pastor Thomas’s son, said, “My father was arrested, my mother and younger brother were beaten, and we had to flee our home.” He also alleged, “The police were there but did nothing. They refused to register our complaint.”
The attack involved about 100 people shouting “Jai Shri Ram.” Women and minors attending the service were reportedly assaulted, with teenage girls hiding in restrooms to escape the violence.
Despite police and media presence, no action was taken to stop the mob. The school’s CCTV footage was seized by police but has not been released publicly.
After the attack, Pastor Thomas was called by police to review CCTV footage but was arrested under unclear charges. His phone was searched without a warrant, and his wife was questioned.
The family claims police and political leaders, including BJP district president Rajendra Chandravanshi and Chhattisgarh Home Minister Vijay Sharma, are protecting the attackers. They also say senior police officers are under political pressure to avoid taking action.
Joshua explained that the attack started over a fee dispute with a BJP supporter. “Chandravanshi wanted a school transfer certificate but refused to pay two years of unpaid fees. When the school denied the certificate, threats began. Then they demanded Rs 1 lakh to stop the false conversion claims,” he said.
Protests calling for the school’s closure began in early May, but the certificate was eventually issued. The family says harassment has continued since.
This is not the first time the family has faced trouble. Pastor Thomas was jailed on false charges in 2010–11 but later acquitted. In 2022, another mob damaged parts of the school’s residential buildings. The family’s bank accounts were also frozen without clear explanation.
Fear remains high in the Christian community in Kawardha, and many churches stayed closed on May 25.
Despite video proof and eyewitness accounts, police have not arrested anyone. One officer may be transferred, but the attackers remain free.
