Kawardha, India — A Christian family operating a local school in Chhattisgarh has gone into hiding following a violent attack by a mob affiliated with Hindutva groups. The incident occurred on May 18 during a church service, raising serious concerns about religious intolerance in the region.
Video footage confirmed the aggressive nature of the assault, as members of Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad invaded the Holy Kingdom English Higher Secondary School. The assailants physically assaulted staff and worshippers while accusing them of forced conversions—an allegation they failed to substantiate. Those targeted describe this act as a culmination of years of intimidation and extortion, exacerbated by alleged inaction from law enforcement.
Around midday, roughly 80 to 100 members of these groups stormed the premises, interrupting the ongoing service. Witnesses reported that the mob shouted slogans while breaking into prayer rooms, physically attacking congregants, including women and minors, and frightening teenage girls who sought refuge in restrooms.
Pastor Jose Thomas, who has served in Kawardha for over 35 years and leads the school, expressed deep concern over the escalating situation. His son, Joshua, described a harrowing experience where family members were assaulted, and his father was arrested. “Now we are in hiding, and the police refuse to register our complaint,” Joshua stated.
The attack was not just an isolated incident; local law enforcement was present during the assault but did not intervene to stop the violence. Reports indicate that some police officials attempted to pressure congregants to modify their testimonies to support the conversion claims. Furthermore, CCTV footage of the event was confiscated by the police and has yet to be released to the public.
In the aftermath of the event, Pastor Jose was arrested under ambiguous charges after being summoned for what was purported to be a routine examination of security footage. Allegations surfaced regarding the illegal search of his phone and intimidation tactics used against family members. After being released on bail, Pastor Jose fled Kawardha in fear for his safety, hiding in a car to escape potential retribution from the mob.
Despite multiple attempts to file a formal complaint, the family has faced significant obstacles, including alleged pressure from local authorities. Joshua accused police officials, including the additional superintendent and the superintendent, of acting under governmental influence. Moreover, local political figures, including the BJP district president, are accused of protecting the perpetrators of the violence.
Compounding the situation, Joshua indicated that a dispute over school fees sparked the violent response. The BJP leader had insisted on receiving a transfer certificate for a child whose family owed two years of unpaid fees, escalating tensions between the school and the attackers. After continued harassment, including demands for money to suppress the conversion narrative, the school ultimately issued the certificate.
This family has a history of being targeted by mobs. Pastor Jose was previously jailed under false accusations in 2010 but was later exonerated. In 2022, a mob demolished parts of the school’s property, and the family claims that their financial accounts were frozen improperly as part of a coordinated effort to drive them out of the area.
Currently, the family faces threats, and local support has dwindled. Joshua lamented that many in the community are too frightened to assist. Daily gatherings of hostile groups outside their school and local institutions serve as a constant reminder of their precarious situation.
Even after a meeting with the district magistrate, attempts to address their grievances have been met with indifference from officials. Following a tense encounter with the state home minister at a social event, the family found their situation growing increasingly dire.
Although evidence from the attack exists, including videos and eyewitness accounts, no formal charges have been laid against the attackers. Community fears are palpable, with many churches remaining closed in the wake of the violence. Joshua noted, “People are afraid. Even those who used to stand with us are distancing themselves. Everyone’s just waiting for things to cool down.”