In a disturbing turn of events, a Christian pastor was attacked in Maharashtra, India, after Hindu nationalist extremists charged into a church in Solapur, claiming he was “distributing blood” during a communion service.
The altercation, which took place on July 6, was documented on video by the attackers and has since circulated widely on social media platforms.
The group, while chanting “Jai Shri Ram,” meaning “Hail Lord Ram,” confronted the pastor about the communion service.
Despite clarifying that the beverage was merely grape juice, the extremists demanded proof of permission to serve it, seized the remaining juice, and physically assaulted the pastor, according to Open Doors.
In the aftermath, further accusations emerged on YouTube and other platforms, alleging that the pastor forced 20 to 25 women to consume “addictive” red wine for the purpose of intoxication and violation.
The extremists also accused him of offering incentives for religious conversions.
Local Christian communities have denounced these allegations as false, describing them as part of a broader effort to undermine churches in the area.
A local partner from the Christian advocacy group Open Doors commented: “Hindu extremists distort and fabricate claims to fit their agenda and incite fear and hostility against Christians.
“Recently, incidents of church disruptions have become increasingly common in Maharashtra.
“There is immense pressure from Hindutva-led state government and Hindutva extremist groups to enforce a new anti-conversion law in the state.”
Maharashtra is among several Indian states being urged to implement more stringent anti-conversion laws, which are already in place in 11 other states.
Proponents of these laws argue they prevent forced conversions, but critics highlight their potential misuse against religious minorities, often leading to harassment and violence.
Tensions heightened in July when a Hindutva political leader in the state publicly announced financial incentives for violence against Christians.
As reported by The India Times, he offered 11 lakhs (approximately $12,000) to anyone who killed a pastor and additional rewards for attacks on Christians accused of conversions.
He even cited “Sairat,” a form of honor-killing, as justification for such acts of violence.
Open Doors’ World Watch List places India as the 11th most perilous country for Christians globally.
Their recent report highlights escalating attacks by radical Hindu groups on Christians and Muslims, perceiving them as foreign elements and employing violence to “cleanse” communities.
The Open Doors’ partner remarked: “Maharashtra State is going through a critical transition in its religious role.
“Several Hindutva political leaders are known to be spreading hate speech and accusing the Christian community of coercive conversion.
“The extremists continue to attack the churches and pastors.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
