The only Catholic Chief Minister of India raises voice and seeks Probe into Assault on Odisha Protestant Pastor
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has strongly condemned the alleged assault of a Christian pastor in eastern Indian state Odisha and urged the state government to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into both the attack and the related claims of religious conversion.
The incident, which occurred earlier this month in Dhenkanal district of Odisha, has triggered widespread concern among Christian communities across the country. According to reports, Protestant Pastor Bipin Bihari Naik was assaulted and attacked by a group of local residents while attending a prayer gathering at a private residence.
The pastor was allegedly subjected to physical assault and public humiliation and dehumanization. His family members have stated that he was falsely accused of carrying out religious conversions and denied any wrongdoing. The allegations of forced conversion, they maintain, are baseless and have been used to justify violence against him.
Reacting to the incident, Chief Minister Sangma described the attack as a serious violation of constitutional rights guaranteed under the Indian Constitution. In a public statement, he appealed to Odisha authorities to ensure that justice is delivered without prejudice and that those responsible are held accountable.
“Such incidents threaten the very spirit of India’s pluralistic and democratic values,” the Meghalaya Chief Minister stated, stressing the need to protect freedom of religion and human dignity. Odisha Police have registered a case in connection with the incident and detained several individuals for questioning. Officials have said that investigations are ongoing and that all aspects of the case, including the conversion allegations, will be examined according to the law.
The Catholic Bishops’ conference of India (CBCI) on January 22 condemned what it called a heinous attack on pastor.
The Times of India on January 22 reported that the Odisha police detained four men over the mob attack on the pastor.
Odisha has been ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party first since June 12, 2024
Church leaders have reiterated that prayer meetings and faith practices are constitutionally protected and called on authorities to act decisively against mob violence and misinformation that target vulnerable communities. The incident has once again brought national attention to the need for safeguarding religious harmony, protecting minority rights, and upholding the fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Constitution of India.
“This is purely undemocratic and below the dignity of mankind. The violation of the constitutional values that has been enshrined in the constitution. This is completely intolerance towards another religion. People don not have the sufficient understanding about concept God, religion, faith. This act is done under the influence of some leaders,” said Professor Prasanna Bishoyi, presently working in Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Phulbani, the district headquarter of Kandhamal which also saw anti-Christian violence in 2007-2008 where more than 100 people were killed for the sake of faith in Christ.
