Three members of a Christian family were killed in Odisha last month in what surviving relatives and local church leaders describe as an attack linked to religious hostility.
The incident took place on 25 January in Nialijharan village, in Keonjhar District. Jitendra Soren, 35, his wife Malati Soren, 32, and their 15-year-old daughter Sasmita Soren were reportedly attacked and killed by close relatives.
Police have arrested three suspects, identified as Jitendra Soren’s elder brother Baidyanath Soren, also known as Badiya Soren; Badiya’s son, Sudam Soren; and Jitendra’s younger brother, Laxman Soren. A case was registered at Ghasipura police station under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 on charges of murder and acting with common intention.
Local authorities and some media reports have suggested the killings were connected to a property dispute. However, surviving family members and Christian leaders in the region say tensions increased after Jitendra Soren and his household became followers of Christ last year.
According to church sources, Jitendra Soren had suffered serious liver problems. After receiving prayer from a local pastor and later attending church regularly, his health improved significantly. His recovery was said to have strengthened the family’s Christian faith.
Relatives who follow traditional tribal beliefs reportedly opposed the family’s conversion. Disagreements are said to have intensified in recent months, particularly after a member of the extended family fell ill. Some relatives allegedly accused Jitendra Soren of using witchcraft connected to his Christian faith.
Two days before the killings, there was a confrontation about the family’s church attendance. On the day of the attack, the situation escalated violently.
According to accounts provided by surviving relatives, the three accused men entered the family home armed with bamboo sticks and an axe. Jitendra Soren was reportedly assaulted inside the house. When his daughter Sasmita attempted to intervene, she was fatally attacked. Malati Soren was also killed during the incident.
Jitendra Soren attempted to flee but was chased and killed outside the house, according to the family’s testimony.
Two daughters survived the attack. Pana Soren, the couple’s eldest daughter, had been visiting with her young children. The youngest daughter, 12-year-old Rani Soren, was also present. Both witnessed the violence and escaped to neighbouring villages, where local residents contacted the police.
The couple’s 18-year-old son, Suguda Soren, was away at a student hostel in Bhubaneswar at the time.
Following the killings, Suguda and Rani Soren have taken refuge with a Christian family and have not returned to their village, citing safety concerns.
Church leaders in Bhubaneswar have expressed concern for the children’s welfare and called for continued prayer and support. They have also urged authorities to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation.
On 9 February, Suguda Soren submitted a request to the Superintendent of Police in Keonjhar, asking that the investigation be transferred to an independent agency to ensure fairness. He stated that the role of religious hostility should be fully examined.
Rani Soren has also approached the District Legal Services Authority in Keonjhar seeking legal assistance.
Despite security concerns, local Christians organised a prayer meeting at the family’s home on 16 February. Church leaders sought and received police protection for the gathering. Approximately 400 people attended the service, which passed without incident.
Christian leaders in the region have asked believers to pray for the surviving children, for justice in the legal process, and for peace within the community.
The case continues to be investigated by local authorities.
This is a rewritten version of the original article from Morning Star News.
