A group of Christians in the village of Midapalli, India, had their homes destroyed after refusing demands from fellow villagers to renounce their faith in Jesus Christ, according to advocacy organization Christian Solidarity Worldwide.

Approximately 25 believers, including four families and two other individuals, were confronted on January 11 by a mob of roughly 20 villagers who ordered them to abandon Christianity. The group refused, even after being threatened with death. The mob then reportedly demolished four homes belonging to the Christian families.

When the victims sought assistance from police in nearby Kavande village, officers allegedly declined to intervene. According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide, the officer in charge questioned why members of a tribal community had converted to Christianity and warned that their identity cards and ration benefits could be revoked.

Three days later, local authorities summoned the village pastor for questioning and barred him from visiting households in Midapalli. Advocacy groups say the restrictions further emboldened those responsible for the destruction, with additional threats directed at the affected families.

The displaced believers are reportedly continuing to live in the damaged structures, which now provide minimal protection from the elements. Christian Solidarity Worldwide President Mervyn Thomas described the incident as a grave assault on religious freedom and criticized authorities for failing to safeguard vulnerable citizens. The organization called on district and state officials to ensure the families’ protection, provide compensation, and pursue accountability under the law.

India has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years over religiously motivated violence. Open Doors ranks India as the 12th most severe country worldwide for Christian persecution, citing a rise in Hindu nationalist sentiment and enforcement of anti-conversion statutes.

More than a dozen Indian states have enacted laws regulating religious conversions. While supporters argue the statutes prevent coercion, critics contend that vague language allows for accusations that can lead to arrest, interrogation, or mob violence, even in cases involving constitutionally protected religious gatherings such as prayer meetings.

The Midapalli incident underscores broader tensions surrounding religious identity and minority rights in the world’s largest democracy.