Christian representatives meet West Bengal RSS chief over mob attacks on congregations and churches

A view of a church in Calcutta. Image is for representational purposes only. | Photo credit: The Hindu

A delegation of Bangiya Christiya Pariseba (BCP), an interfaith forum representing Christians, on Wednesday (November 4, 2026) met Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) West Bengal leader Dr.

A delegation led by the organization’s Secretary of State, Herod Mullick, sought the intervention of Mr. Basu to end the ongoing hostilities.

“The delegation highlighted serious concerns over the recent spate of attacks, vandalism and inhuman persecution targeting mainline churches, house churches, pastors and worshipers in several districts of West Bengal over the past 4-5 months, often fueled by false allegations of forced conversions through incitement,” the BCP said in a press statement.

Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Basu, Saha Khetra Prachar Pramukh of South Bengal, said dialogue would continue with representatives of Christian organizations but there were real concerns about forced conversions. The RSS leader said that the attacks and allegations of forced conversion should be investigated.

The BCP delegation also clarified that the Church strictly opposes any illegal conversion practices, accepting and baptizing only those individuals who join voluntarily out of their own free faith. Mr Mullick also added that incidents of violence and allegations of any attempted forced conversions should be investigated. In most cases, the mob members who attacked the congregations and the church identified themselves as members of Hindutva organizations.

After the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power, there was an increase in attacks on churches and Christian congregations. According to Christian organizations, the US-based research project India Hate Lab documented at least 60 cases of hate crimes and targeted attacks against Christians in West Bengal in 13 districts between May 13 and September 20 this year.

BCP representatives expressed concern over the state administration’s lack of response to the attacks and clarified that the church strictly opposes any illegal conversion practices, accepting and baptizing only those individuals who join voluntarily out of their own free faith.

Earlier this week, a public hearing of mob attack survivors was held in Kolkata, where people from several districts participated and shared their experiences of the attacks and police inaction.

On Thursday (November 5, 2026), Christian organizations will organize a rally in Kolkata in which people from different districts will participate. Three prayer processions will simultaneously start at 12 noon from Howrah, Sealdah and Birla Planetarium and converge on RR Avenue for universal prayers.

Published – 5 Nov 2026 10:13 IST