NEW DELHI – Attacks on Christians in India have increased, with many incidents going unreported in mainstream media. Human rights groups regularly document violence against Christians by certain nationalist groups across multiple states, but their findings often receive little attention. Recent incidents, especially in Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka, have started to draw more notice.
A team including journalists and representatives from civil society visited affected areas to speak with both Christian and non-Christian residents. Their findings highlight community concerns and share firsthand accounts from victims.
Roorkee Church Attack – October 3, 2020
On a Sunday morning, a crowd of about 250 to 300 people forced their way into a church in Roorkee, Uttarakhand, vandalized the property, and attacked worshippers. Sadhna Lance, who was leading the prayer, arrived with her daughters to find the church surrounded by strangers. The attack quickly turned violent.
Accounts from Those Involved
Only a dozen people were inside when the mob broke in. Pearl Lance, the younger daughter, said she was grabbed and assaulted by several people. Her phone was also taken. Rajat Kumar, a church helper, was beaten with iron rods and suffered serious injuries.
The attackers claimed the church operated illegally and accused the family of forced conversions. The Lance family disputed this and provided documents showing their legal ownership and church affiliation. Pastor Dickens Rockwell Lance, who passed away in 2020, had run the church for decades without facing such threats. The church had only recently resumed small in-person services after a pandemic closure.
Before the attack, the Lance family had reported threats and suspicious activity to the police several times, but no protection was given. On the day of the incident, the police arrived an hour after the mob had left.
When the mob entered, they destroyed property and broke the CCTV cameras. They shouted religious slogans and forced the family to hand over the DVR containing security footage.
Neighbours Respond
Neighbours, mostly Hindu and one Muslim family, showed strong support for the Lance family. They voiced disbelief at the accusations of forced conversion and confirmed the church had never caused trouble in the community.
Despite this, a counter-complaint was filed against the Lance family, accusing them of forced conversion and other serious offences. Sadhna Lance called these charges false, stating that the family does not take donations, the church has no bank account, and that the accusations are baseless.
Fact-Finding Team’s Main Findings
- Roorkee police did not protect repeated complaints from the Lance family.
- Police arrived only after the mob had left, though the station is nearby.
- The attack appeared well-organized. The removal of CCTV evidence suggests an intent to hide the crime.
Attacks in Mau, Uttar Pradesh
On October 10, 2021, police in Mau detained several Christians after a right-wing group accused them of religious conversion during a regular prayer service. The group included members of Bajrang Dal and Hindu Yuva Vahini. The worshippers, including Pastor Abraham Shakeel Ahmed and his wife, denied any forced conversions and said the gatherings were regular church meetings.
A formal complaint also accused the group of breaking COVID-19 rules and using offensive language. Those arrested were charged under the 2020 Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Ordinance.
Assault on Nuns in Mau
On October 12, 2021, two Catholic nuns and their driver were attacked at the Mau bus stand. A group accused them of converting people, assaulted the driver, and marched them to the police station. The nuns had simply been waiting for a bus, identified only by their religious dress.
Sister Gracy Monteiro recalled trying to protect the driver as the group became violent. The police did little to stop the mob. After hours of questioning, the nuns were cleared but left shaken.
More Incidents Across States
Attacks on Christians and churches, accusations of forced conversions, and police detentions have been reported regularly in Uttar Pradesh, India, as well as in states like Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Kerala, and Madhya Pradesh in India.
Common patterns include:
- Disruption of prayer meetings by mobs.
- Physical assaults and property damage.
- False accusations of conversion.
- Police detaining pastors and worshippers, sometimes based on complaints from neighbours or local nationalist groups.
- Social pressure and threats are forcing Christians to stop church gatherings or leave their homes.
- Harassment of Christian families, including those who converted by choice.
Reports document cases where churches are vandalized, pastors are beaten or arrested, and families are intimidated. Some incidents involve accusations of wrongdoing with little or no evidence, while others see victims pressured to sign statements agreeing to stop worship.
The impact is felt across communities, with many Christians reporting ongoing fear, loss of worship spaces, and limited support from local authorities.
Violence and pressure against Christians in India continue to be a serious issue. Many incidents still go unreported or are downplayed by authorities. Community support often comes from neighbours, but victims regularly face legal trouble and harassment. Human rights groups and journalists continue to gather testimony and raise awareness, calling for greater protection and accountability.
Sources: Sabrang India, United Christian Forum, EFIRLC
