India - State of Maharashtra - Christians Fear Additional Attacks, Scrutiny

Source: ICC

A Rising Storm in the State of Maharashtra

In the quiet corners of Maharashtra, India, a storm is brewing—not of weather, but of fear.

Fourteen Christian families in a remote village were recently attacked, their homes invaded, their bodies beaten, and their spirits shaken. The violence was swift and brutal. Women and children were dragged into the streets and assaulted. Their livestock was stolen, their farmland destroyed. And when the survivors returned with police assistance, their pastor was banned from visiting them. No arrests were made. No justice was served.

This wasn’t an isolated incident. Just days later, another mob surrounded the home of a village’s only Christian family during a prayer gathering. Armed with rods and sharpened stones, they threatened violence. The family locked their doors in terror as the mob destroyed their motorbike and left a message of intimidation.

Behind these attacks lies a chilling political backdrop. A legislator from the ruling Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) publicly offered a cash reward for anyone who kills a Christian attempting to convert Hindus. On the same day, the state’s chief minister threatened legal action against members of scheduled castes who convert to Christianity and announced plans for an anti-conversion law.

Local pastors speak of growing anxiety. Rumors swirl that Christians will be summoned on August 15 to be interrogated about their faith and religious status. Congregations are shrinking as families abandon their churches out of fear. The Christian community in Maharashtra is on high alert, bracing for what may come next.

A local Christian leader, speaking anonymously, described the situation as part of a “well-designed plan” to justify the anti-conversion law. The attacks, he said, are not random—they are calculated.

🙏 Prayer Requests for Maharashtra, India

• Pray for protection over Christian families facing threats and violence.

• Ask God to strengthen pastors and leaders who are shepherding fearful congregations.

• Intercede for justice—that authorities would act swiftly and fairly against the perpetrators.

• Pray for peace in villages torn apart by hatred and division.

• Lift up those who are reconsidering their faith out of fear, that they may find courage and comfort.

• Pray for wisdom and boldness for Indian believers navigating persecution.

• Ask for international awareness and advocacy to support religious freedom in India.