Triple Killing of Tribal Christian Family in Keonjhar Sparks Outcry; Survivor Alleges Religious Motive

Keonjhar, Odisha, Feb. 14, 2026: Three members of a tribal Christian family were hacked to death in Nialijhara village under the jurisdiction of Ghasipura Police Station, in an incident that has sent shockwaves across the district and renewed concerns over the safety of minority communities in remote areas.

The killings took place on the evening of Jan. 25, shortly after the family returned home from a Pentecostal prayer service around 5 p.m. According to police and survivor accounts, the victims—Jitendra Soren (45), his wife Malati Soren (35), and their daughter Sasmita Soren (15)—were attacked with an axe following a confrontation allegedly linked to their conversion to Christianity less than a year ago.

Suguda Soren, 18, the couple’s surviving son who was away in Bhubaneswar for studies at the time, said tensions had been simmering within the extended family and village since his parents embraced the Christian faith. He alleged that neighbours, some of whom were distant relatives, accused the family of bringing misfortune and illness upon the community.

According to Suguda, the confrontation escalated rapidly into violence. His father was reportedly attacked first, and when his mother and sister attempted to intervene, they too were assaulted. All three died at the scene. The incident was witnessed by the couple’s younger daughter, 12, who later recounted the events to her brother.

“They cried out for help on the village street, but no one came to rescue them,” Suguda said, expressing anguish over what he described as silence and inaction by bystanders. He and his younger sister are currently staying in another village with a Christian family, fearing for their safety.

The victims’ eldest daughter, who is married and follows the Hindu faith, lodged the First Information Report. She had been visiting the village during the Makar Sankranti festival when the attack occurred.

Police said officers led by the Anandapur Sub-Divisional Police Officer reached the site the following morning, recovered the bodies, and sent them to the Anandapur sub-divisional hospital for post-mortem examination before handing them over to the family. Three persons—Laxman Soren (36), Baidyanath Soren (50), and Sudam Soren (24)—have been arrested in connection with the case.

Investigators indicated that a long-standing land dispute within the extended family may have been a contributing factor. However, the survivor maintains that religious tensions played a decisive role, noting that his parents had recently travelled to Manoharpur to observe the death anniversary of Graham Staines and his sons, an act he believes angered the assailants.

The village is located near sites associated with past incidents of violence against Christians, including the killing of missionary Graham Staines and the martyrdom of Fr. Arul Doss, adding to the sensitivity surrounding the case.

The incident has drawn concern from community leaders and rights advocates, who have called for a thorough and impartial investigation to establish the full circumstances behind the killings and ensure protection for vulnerable families in the region.

By Sujata Jena