📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Indian gov
Religion
Effigy of Christian Priests Burned in Basanti, West Bengal
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 08 Nov 2026, 04:56 AM
👁 12
An effigy of Christian priests was set ablaze in Basanti, West Bengal. Father Parimal Kanji said the act was carried out by outsiders and lodged a police complaint.
Basanti, a town in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, witnessed the burning of an effigy representing Christian priests on Tuesday. The incident sparked concerns among local residents and religious groups, prompting calls for swift investigation.
Father Parimal Kanji, the priest‑in‑charge of the local parish, told reporters that the individuals responsible for the act were not from the area. He emphasized that the perpetrators appeared to be outsiders, suggesting a motive beyond local communal tensions.
Kanji confirmed that a written complaint has been submitted to the Basanti police station, urging authorities to identify and prosecute those involved. The police have not yet released details of any arrests or further investigative steps.
Local officials have appealed for calm and warned against any escalation of religious sentiment. Community leaders from both Hindu and Christian groups have urged residents to maintain peace while the case is examined.
The incident adds to a series of recent religious flashpoints across the state, highlighting the need for vigilant law‑enforcement and inter‑faith dialogue.
Father Parimal Kanji, the priest‑in‑charge of the local parish, told reporters that the individuals responsible for the act were not from the area. He emphasized that the perpetrators appeared to be outsiders, suggesting a motive beyond local communal tensions.
Kanji confirmed that a written complaint has been submitted to the Basanti police station, urging authorities to identify and prosecute those involved. The police have not yet released details of any arrests or further investigative steps.
Local officials have appealed for calm and warned against any escalation of religious sentiment. Community leaders from both Hindu and Christian groups have urged residents to maintain peace while the case is examined.
The incident adds to a series of recent religious flashpoints across the state, highlighting the need for vigilant law‑enforcement and inter‑faith dialogue.