India: Pastor Assaulted in India Felt Police Left Him to Die

Sources:
Sabrang India – “Publicly Tortured, Forced to Eat Cow Dung: No arrests in Odisha Pastor assault case”
Morning Star News – “Pastor Assaulted in India Felt Police Left Him to Die”

Hindu nationalists assaulted and paraded Pastor Bipin Bihari Naik
 through Parjang village, Odisha state, India
on Jan. 4, 2026. (Morning Star News)

Pastor Bipin Bihari Naik of Odisha, India, was violently attacked earlier this month when a mob stormed a small prayer gathering at his home. Reports from both Indian and international outlets describe him being beaten, paraded through the village, humiliated with a garland of slippers, and they tried to force him to chant religious slogans he did not believe.

One account also states that the mob forced him to walk on thorns, mocking the suffering of Jesus as a form of deliberate religious humiliation. Another report says they tried to force him to drink water mixed with cow dung and later faced a counter‑FIR accusing him of forced conversions, which his family denies.

Several Christian families have since fled the village out of fear. Despite everything, Pastor Naik has publicly said he forgives his attackers — but he continues to ask for safety and the freedom to worship without intimidation.

Prayer Requests

For Pastor Naik — healing from trauma, protection from further threats, and strength in his faith.
For his family — peace, safety, and emotional restoration.
For the displaced Christian families — shelter, courage, and God’s provision.
For justice — fair handling of the case, integrity in the investigation, and protection from false accusations.
For the village — reconciliation, softened hearts, and an end to hostility.