A violent attack on a Christian congregation in Rajasthan, India, left 50 worshippers injured when a mob of about 200 people stormed a church service.
On the 16th February 2025 several church members suffered serious injuries after being beaten with iron rods, while the attackers also vandalised church property before police intervened.
The assault took place towards the end of the service, with at least three people severely wounded and many others sustaining bruises, according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW).
The church’s pastor, who has chosen to remain anonymous for security reasons, noted that a new visitor had attended the service that day and was seen sending messages shortly before the mob arrived. He left abruptly as the attack began.
When police arrived, the assailants quickly dispersed.
However, instead of taking action against the attackers, authorities allegedly questioned the injured worshippers and accused them of forced conversions.
The pastor’s children were even warned against following in their father’s footsteps, as reported by Christian Post.
Later, the pastor and several members were taken to the Mukta Prasad police station, where the mob’s claims of forced conversion were investigated.
No charges were filed against the Christians due to a lack of evidence.
Church members chose not to lodge a formal complaint, fearing reprisals, and no action was taken against those responsible for the attack.
According to the United Christian Forum, attacks on Christian communities in India have risen sharply over the past decade.
Records show that 127 incidents were reported in 2014, which rose to 834 in 2024.