Panel members listen to a victim’s testimony
The tribunal panel comprising Harsh Mander, Jawhar Sircar, John Dayal, Wajahat Habibullah, Tanika Sarkar, Omair Khan and Vidya Dinkar heard 15 accounts from victims and experts highlighting mob attacks, police apathy and false charges. On May 31, a group chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ vandalised their prayer hall over false conversion accusations, breaking the cross and attempting to beat her husband. Attackers allegedly returned on Aug 6, assaulting Joshua, her teenage daughter and an elderly believer. Bally’s Tumpa Mal said that on Sept 6, Bajrang Dal affiliates invaded their house church, chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and declaring that Christians would not be allowed to pray in a Hindu society. Pastor Anup Kumar Ghosh alleged that on July 3, some people affiliated with Hindu Jagaran Manch attacked his Midnapore home during a wedding celebration. Police allegedly filed false attempted murder charges against the pastor, leading to a 41-day unjust imprisonment, Ghosh said. National Christian Council state general secretary Reverend Dr Arpan Rana said that they have handled 38 cases and in most cases, the police were inactive.
“Police took no action against the attackers and ordered the congregation to stop gathering,” she said. “We lodged a police complaint but a counter-complaint was filed against us,” Mal said. “I am forced to live away from my home,” he added.
Mamata Joshua of West Bardhaman recounted two attacks on her home. She has submitted FIRs by post to both Salanpur and Durgapur SD police stations. A week later, a mob planted a religious flag on their property and threatened destruction. “They accused us of forced conversions. It took the police two hours to arrive. The mob beat us up while looked on,” he recounted.
Kolkata: A people’s tribunal organised jointly by Karwan-e-Mohabbat, Sabar Institute and Amra Ek Sachetan Prayas was convened on Monday to record the testimonies of Christians facing violence over the past few months.