Four Christian families in Midapalli, Maharashtra have had their homes destroyed by neighbours after refusing to abandon their Christian faith.
The incident began on 11 January, when villagers demanded that the families renounce Christianity and threatened them with death if they did not comply. The following day, a group of around 20 villagers carried out the demolition of the homes.
When the affected families approached the police for help, officials reportedly sided with the perpetrators. Authorities warned that the Christians’ identity cards and ration supplies would be cancelled and questioned why members of a tribal community had chosen to follow Christianity. Following this response, villagers issued further death threats.
The police reportedly then refused to provide any protection and summoned the local pastor for questioning on 14 January, dismissing his preaching as “superstition.” The pastor was subsequently barred from visiting families in the village.
Around 25 Christians now face the harsh winter living among the ruins of their homes. They are seeking redress by contacting the District Collector to escalate the matter.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) has urged state authorities to intervene, after reports suggest that local police failed to protect the families.
Mervyn Thomas, founder and president of CSW, said: “It is deeply concerning to witness the grave and unacceptable assault and humiliation these families have been subjected to on account of their religion. Even more alarming is the failure of the police to protect these vulnerable citizens, which has emboldened the perpetrators.
“We call upon the district administration and state authorities to intervene urgently, ensuring the safety of the affected families, restoring their rights, compensating them for the loss of their homes, and holding those responsible to account under the law.”
Adapted from CSW.
