Agitated Hindutva Groups Storm Raipur Church Over ‘Conversion’ Concerns.

VHP and Bajrang Dal Resist Alleged Conversion Activities in Raipur Church.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | Raipur (Chhattisgarh) | Aug 16, 2025::   In a disturbing incident that has sparked outrage and concern over religious tensions in the region, members of right-wing Hindutva organizations Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal stormed into a church in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The mob accused Christian community members of “forced conversions” and attempted to halt alleged “false healing and evangelist activities”. The confrontation turned violent, with reports of vandalism, alleged attacks on Christian preachers, and intimidation of worshippers who tried to abuse Hindu Gods and Goddesses.

Details of the Incident
Eyewitnesses and viral videos on social media show the chaos unleashed by the mob inside the church. The intruders chanted slogans and recited Hanuman Chalisa while threatening and intimidating the congregation. Police personnel who arrived at the scene attempted to regain control of the situation amid the violent outbreak surfaced as Hindu retaliation against ‘forced conversion’.

 “The church was vandalized, and Christian preachers were allegedly attacked. The mob chanted slogans and recited Hanuman Chalisa inside the church while threatening and intimidating worshippers who tried to abuse Hindu Gods and Goddesses.”

History of Similar Incidents in Chhattisgarh and India
This incident is not isolated. Over the years, Chhattisgarh has witnessed similar protests against Christians by Hindutva organizations. Across India, VHP and Bajrang Dal have led protests alleging “forced conversions” by Christians and Muslims, claiming these groups lure poor Hindus with offers of education, employment, healthcare, and Changai (false faith healing – healing activities in the name of Jesus).

– Pattern of Protests: In most such incidents, Hindu mobs clad in saffron attire have aggressively protested against cow slaughter, beef consumption, Love Jihad, and alleged forced conversions.
– Collective Efforts by Hindutva Outfits: These organizations have continued their protests against what they perceive as “anti-Hindu” activities by Christians and Muslims.

Concerns Over Rising Religious Tensions
The Raipur incident has raised alarms about growing bitter religious differences and the safety of Dalit and poor Hindu people targeted by the conversion groups in India. Rights groups and activists have often criticized VHP and Bajrang Dal for their role in exacerbating tensions between religious communities.

Need for Investigation and Accountability
Local authorities are facing pressure to investigate the incident and ensure accountability for the violence. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges related to religious freedom and communal harmony in India. Protests against conversion, cow slaughter, beef eating, and Love Jihad have created a new dimension of Hindu resistance.
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_Inputs from Agencies.