Mobs in India Destroy Christian Homes After Believers Refuse to Renounce Jesus
A Christian resident of Midapalli village in one of the demolished homes. (Photo: CSW)
Christians living in the Indian village of Midapalli saw their homes destroyed by an enraged mob after they refused demands to abandon their faith in Jesus Christ.
On Jan. 11, about 25 believers — including four families and two other individuals — were confronted by roughly 20 fellow villagers and ordered to renounce Christianity, according to a report from Christian Solidarity Worldwide. Even after receiving death threats, the Christians refused.
The mob then demolished four of their homes. When the victims sought help from police in nearby Kavande village, officers not only declined to assist but sided with the attackers.
According to the organization’s report, the officer in charge threatened the Christian families, questioning why members of a tribal community had embraced Christianity and warning that their identity cards and ration benefits could be revoked.
On Jan. 14, authorities interrogated the families’ pastor and banned him from visiting homes in Midapalli. Encouraged by the lack of consequences, the mob issued further death threats against the believers.
With their houses in ruins, the affected families remain in the damaged structures, which now provide little protection.
“It is deeply concerning to witness the grave and unacceptable assault and humiliation these families have been subjected to on account of their religion,” said Mervyn Thomas, president of Christian Solidarity Worldwide. He added that the police failure to protect the families had emboldened the perpetrators.
The organization urged district and state authorities to intervene urgently to ensure the families’ safety, restore their rights, compensate them for their losses, and hold those responsible accountable under the law.
Such mob violence against Christians has become increasingly common in India, where rising Hindu nationalist sentiment promotes the idea that Hinduism is central to Indian identity. The advocacy group Open Doors now ranks India as the 12th most severe country worldwide for Christian persecution.
“To religious nationalists, to be Indian is to be Hindu, leaving no place for Christianity,” Open Doors reports, describing widespread discrimination and violence, especially targeting converts.
Mobs have also been emboldened by viral social media campaigns, making evangelism increasingly risky. In a dozen Indian states, authorities have enacted so-called anti-conversion laws. Though presented as protecting all religions, critics say their vague language allows ordinary religious activities — such as prayer meetings — to trigger accusations, arrests, and interrogation.
Open Doors warns that even false allegations can quickly escalate into mob violence.
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