‘What after police leave?’ Fear grips ‘purified’ Christians in Bengal village

In the village of Paschim Medinipur, fear has gripped a Christian community after an alleged assault that lasted three days in October. The four Christians in the village, all related, claim they were attacked and subjected to a "purification" ritual by their neighbors. The attack began on October 18 when a group of locals surrounded their mud houses, beat them, tore their clothes, and made them chew holy leaves.

The families, who had converted to Christianity three years ago, allege that the community turned against them and ostracized them. Despite registering a formal complaint with the police, the families fear what will happen once the police leave. The village has set up a police picket, but the families report that there is still hostility and threats.

Their concerns are further heightened by the examination of their teenage daughter, who is in trauma.