Bilaspur: Fresh concerns have been raised over religious freedom in Chhattisgarh after the district administration carried out a demolition drive against a Christian place of worship and an adjoining residence in Bharni, Bilaspur. The action, executed with bulldozers, has sparked protests and sharp reactions from Christian groups and rights activists.
According to reports, the move followed a complaint lodged by Hindu organizations alleging illegal religious conversion activities linked to the place of worship. Acting on the complaint, district authorities conducted an inquiry, after which the demolition was ordered. Officials justified the move claiming that the structure had been erected on government land without proper authorization.
Christian leaders, however, strongly refuted the explanation, pointing out that the church had been functioning in the area for years. The local pastor questioned the administration’s stand, highlighting that the building was constructed with financial assistance obtained through a formal bank loan. “If the land was truly illegal, how did the government system itself allow a bank loan against it?” he asked, terming the demolition an act of targeted discrimination.
The incident has triggered widespread protests in Bilaspur and beyond, with community members alleging that the demolition reflects growing intolerance and misuse of administrative powers under the pretext of addressing conversion complaints. Civil society voices have also cautioned that bulldozer actions against minority places of worship set a dangerous precedent and threaten the secular fabric of the state.
Authorities, however, maintained that the action was strictly in line with legal procedures concerning encroachment on government property. Meanwhile, Christian organizations are preparing to approach higher authorities and legal forums to challenge the demolition and demand accountability for what they describe as a violation of constitutional rights.
The situation remains tense in the region as both sides prepare for a prolonged confrontation over the incident, which once again underscores the delicate balance between law enforcement, land disputes, and the protection of minority rights in India.