Source: www.persecution.org
Date: December 8, 2020
India (International Christian Concern) – According to Morning Star News, 21 Christians were hospitalized after being attacked and brutally beaten by a mob in India’s Chhattisgarh state. The incident took place in Late-November and local authorities have taken minimal action in response.
On November 25, a mob of villagers, armed with bamboo sticks, iron rods, bows and arrows and iron sickles, attacked a group of Christians celebrating the dedication of a child at a Christian home in Chingrwaram village. More than 50 Christians were gathered at the Christian home to participate in the celebration when the attack took place.
The mob accused the Christians of converting people to Christianity and celebrating with loud music. They then unleashed a brutal assault that lasted for hours.
“It was complete mayhem and people were running to save their lives,” Laxshu Madkam told Morning Star News. “I received two cuts on my back. My motorbike was broken. The attackers also broke 10 more motorbikes. They pulled the petrol pipes out of 20 more bikes and let the fuel flow.”
“They beat up the children as well as the women who were cooking food outside,” Laxman Mandavi reported to Morning Star News. “While the children were beaten up with hands and feet, the others were shot with arrows and beaten up with iron rods.”
Many Christians fled into the nearby jungle to escape the assault. However, 21 Christians were seriously injured, four of whom were taken to various hospitals in critical condition.
Local authorities have done little in response to the attack in Chingrwaram village even though many of the assailants were identified by the survivors.
“We know and recognize everyone who attacked us,” Mandavi explained to Morning Star News. “Our relationship with them has been cordial historically, but we suspect outsiders have provoked them against us.”
In the days after the attack, police arrested 16 people identified in the First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Christian victims. However, these suspects were quickly released on bail. Police also filed charges under sections of the penal code that portrayed the incident as a brawl and not a religiously motivated attack. Local Christian fear police will do little to bring the perpetrators to justice and provide future protection of their injured community.
HOW TO PRAY: Pray for healing for all those who were injured in this attack. Pray for the freedom of this Christian community to worship peacefully. Pray for members of this mob to be held accountable.