A mob attacks a Bible convention of more than 2,000 people in West Bengal.

International Christian Concern (ICC) reported on October 20, 2026 that, on October 9, an armed mob attacked the annual Bible convention of the Santhal community at a retreat center in Nadia district, West Bengal. The gathering drew more than 2,000 people and was planned for four days.

What happened

According to ICC, about 200 people arrived in vehicles carrying bamboo sticks and bricks and tried to force their way onto the grounds.

• The attack: the attackers threw stones, shouted anti-Christian slogans and damaged church property.
• Injuries: several worshippers were hurt, and the convention ended earlier than planned.
• Police: the report describes no police action and no arrests. The Bengal Christian Council said it was gravely concerned about police inaction, which lets localized disruptions grow.
• Reactions: the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India condemned the violence and asked the central and state governments to step in. The Bengal Christian Council began providing legal aid to the affected communities.

Why it matters

ICC ties the episode to rising hostility since the Hindu nationalist BJP won the May 2026 state election. The independent watchdog India Hate Lab recorded at least 60 hate crimes against Christians in the state between May and September, more than 50 of them raids on churches, prayer meetings or Christian homes. This time the target was not a house church but a gathering of more than 2,000 from an indigenous people. West Bengal is where the project's theology course in Bengali begins.