Christians Assaulted During Prayer Gathering in Odisha Village

Mayurbhanj, Odisha, February 22, 2026 — Members of a small Christian congregation have alleged that a group of villagers disrupted a Sunday prayer service and assaulted worshippers in Badabali Chua village under the Bisoi block of Mayurbhanj district.

The incident reportedly occurred around 9 a.m. on February 22 while believers affiliated with the Christian Evangelical Assembly were gathered for worship at the residence of Pastor Jagannath Naik.

According to the pastor, nearly 50 individuals allegedly entered the premises carrying wooden sticks and demanded that the prayer service be halted. Some of those present were reportedly under the influence of alcohol.

“They told us that because of our prayers their gods and goddesses were unhappy and that we must stop,” Pastor Naik said, adding that the congregation had been worshipping peacefully inside a private home.

The situation escalated into violence, he alleged, when members of the group attacked his wife and confronted him while he attempted to record the incident on his mobile phone. He claimed he was pushed to the ground, kicked and compelled to delete the video footage. An elderly woman who intervened was also reportedly assaulted.

The victims contacted the police emergency helpline following the incident. According to the pastor, they were informed that officers were attending to a road accident and would arrive later. He said no personnel reached the scene at that time.

At approximately 12:30 p.m., the victims travelled to Bisoi Police Station, located about eight kilometres from the village, to lodge a formal complaint.

Authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the allegations.