On June 8, 2025, a Christian congregation in Borsi village, located in Chhattisgarh state’s Dhamtari District, central India, suffered a violent attack by Hindu extremists. The assailants ransacked the church, burned Bibles and Christian literature, and physically assaulted members of the congregation.
Details of the Incident
The assault occurred during a worship service at the independent Penial Prayer Fellowship. The attackers, armed with wooden rods, forcibly entered the church while shouting religious slogans such as “Jai Shri Ram” (Hail Lord Rama). The extremists broke chairs, fans, and musical instruments inside the church. They gathered all Christian literature, including Bibles, and set them on fire.
Pastor Mannohan Sahu, aged 57, was severely beaten with wooden rods, slapped, and kicked. He lost consciousness during the attack. The attackers, fearing he might die, forced water into his mouth before fleeing. The congregation was threatened and told to stop gathering for worship. The violence has left members afraid to attend future services.
Aftermath
The brutality of the attack and the burning of sacred texts have heightened concerns about religious freedom and safety for Christians in the region. This incident is part of a broader pattern of increasing attacks on Christian minorities in India, particularly since the rise of Hindu nationalist movements.