Mob of 200 Attacks Santhali Bible Convention in India's West Bengal
Armed with bricks and bamboo sticks, attackers stoned a retreat centre hosting more than 2,000 Santhali Christians in Nadia district. Several believers were injured and the four-day convention ended early
The short answer
According to International Christian Concern, on 9 October 2026 an armed mob of about 200 people attacked the annual Santhali Mega Bible Convention Retreat — which draws more than 2,000 Christians of the Santhali people — at the Divine Love Retreat Centre in Jalalkhali, Nadia district, West Bengal, India. Attackers with bricks and bamboo sticks tried to force their way in, threw stones, shouted anti-Christian slogans and vandalised property; several believers were injured and the four-day convention ended early. The Bengal Christian Council and the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India condemned the attack.
The Santhali Mega Bible Convention Retreat is an annual gathering that draws more than 2,000 Christians of the Santhali people — one of India's largest tribal communities. On 9 October, it ended early.
What Happened
According to International Christian Concern (ICC), an armed mob of about 200 people arrived in vehicles at the Divine Love Retreat Centre in Jalalkhali, Nadia district, West Bengal, carrying bricks and bamboo sticks. They tried to force their way onto the grounds, threw stones, shouted anti-Christian slogans and vandalised church property. Several believers were reportedly injured, and the four-day convention was cut short.
"A mob of about 200 with bricks and bamboo sticks attacked a Bible convention of more than 2,000 Santhali Christians in West Bengal on 9 October, injuring several and ending the gathering early. Church bodies are calling for investigation and protection."
Click to copy and shareNo arrests have been reported.
The Response
"We strongly condemn this attack," said Herod Mullick, founding state secretary of the Bengal Christian Council, which criticised what it called growing police inaction and has begun providing legal aid to affected communities.
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India also condemned the violence and asked India's home minister and the West Bengal government to intervene, open independent investigations and improve security.
The Wider Picture
India ranks 12th on Open Doors' 2026 World Watch List. ICC reports that Christian women in the region have been heckled and falsely accused of carrying out conversions — an accusation that, in parts of India, can lead to violence or prosecution. Our Christians in Asia page follows the pressure on believers across the region.
Pray
Pray for the injured, for the Santhali believers who travelled to worship and were driven out, and for protection for Christian gatherings across West Bengal.
A mob of about 200 with bricks and bamboo sticks attacked a Bible convention of more than 2,000 Santhali Christians in West Bengal on 9 October, injuring several and ending the gathering early. Church bodies are calling for investigation and protection.
Biblical Perspective
The early church gathered under threat and prayed not for comfort but for boldness: "Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness" (Acts 4:29). Jesus promised that His church would endure (Matthew 16:18).
"Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness."
— Acts 4:29 (NIV)
Pray With Us
Lord, heal the believers injured in Jalalkhali and comfort the Santhali Christians whose gathering was attacked. Protect churches across West Bengal and India. Bring justice, soften hostile hearts, and give Your people boldness and love. In Jesus' name, amen.
Declarations to Speak
- ›God's people will gather and worship!
- ›The church in India will stand firm!
- ›Boldness and love will overcome hatred!
Take Action
- 1Pray for Santhali Christians in West Bengal.
- 2Pray for India, 12th on the World Watch List.
- 3Share this alert so the attack is known.
"A mob of 200 attacked a Bible convention of 2,000+ Santhali Christians in India. Pray with us."
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Questions people are asking
What happened at the Santhali Bible convention in West Bengal?
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According to International Christian Concern, an armed mob of about 200 attacked the annual Santhali Mega Bible Convention Retreat at the Divine Love Retreat Centre in Jalalkhali, Nadia district, West Bengal, on 9 October 2026, injuring several believers and forcing the convention to end early.
Where does India rank for Christian persecution?
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India ranks 12th on Open Doors' 2026 World Watch List of the countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution.
Sources & further reading
- 1.Bible Convention Attacked in IndiaInternational Christian Concern
About the Author
Daniel Ziedins
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
Daniel Ziedins is the founder and editor-in-chief of Thy Kingdom News. A passionate believer with a heart for revival, missions, and seeing God's Kingdom advance across the earth, Daniel created this platform to report on what God is doing in the nations — the stories the mainstream media won't tell. He is also the creator of LoveOnTheWorldMap.com, a global initiative to map acts of God's love worldwide. Daniel believes that every testimony, every revival report, and every prayer answered is evidence that the Kingdom of God is here and advancing.
"Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness."
Acts 4:29 (NIV)
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