- 13 August, 2025
Bihar, August 13, 2025: Members of the Bajrang Dal attacked a group in Katihar district, Bihar, gathered for a Sunday prayer on August 10 at a local pastor’s residence, injuring several people amid suspicions of religious conversion activities. The attackers claimed to have uncovered evidence of large-scale conversions, prompting police to launch an investigation. Authorities confirmed the assault took place, with some individuals detained for questioning and minor injuries reported. Legal action has been initiated against those involved.
One attendee stated that “40-45 people believing in Christianity” had assembled for a weekly prayer meeting at around 10 am.
“Around 30-40 men, some carrying iron rods, sticks and even pistols, attacked us. At least 10 people were attacked with iron rods,” he said.
A woman present at the scene alleged, “They started beating and abusing everyone. They were not letting anyone leave.”
An individual lodged a complaint at Sahayak police station, naming the “local Bajrang Dal president, Pawan Poddar, and another person among those leading the attack”.
Speaking to local reporters afterwards, Bajrang Dal district president Poddar alleged that the group had discovered evidence of “conversion activities”. He claimed, “We received information that religious conversion was being conducted on a large scale. When we arrived, efforts were underway to entice and persuade 200–250 innocent Hindus… Several such books and items used for conversion were found. We informed the local police over the phone, and they came and took everyone away.”
According to locals, police detained six people from the prayer meeting for questioning.
Katihar Superintendent of Police Shikhar Choudhary confirmed that they had received information on August 10 regarding alleged conversion activities in the area.
“Police are investigating, and some people have been brought in for questioning in this matter. At the same time, it has been found that those making the conversion allegations carried out an assault at the spot. One or two people received minor injuries and are under treatment. We are identifying those involved in the assault, and an FIR has been lodged against them for further action,” he said.
Source: Indian Express
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