Jagdalpur/Kanker, Aug 1 (NationPress) A significant wave of discontent surged through the Bastar division on Friday as members of the Christian community organized a large-scale protest in both Jagdalpur and Kanker districts of Chhattisgarh, denouncing the forced exhumation of a tribal convert’s body and the desecration of a local church in Jamgaon village.

The protest was ignited by the contentious removal of Somlal Rathore’s remains, a 40-year-old tribal resident of Jamgaon who had embraced Christianity three years prior.

Rathore passed away on July 26 and was buried the next day by his family on their private land, adhering to Christian customs. However, local villagers reportedly raised objections to the burial site being in proximity to a temple, citing religious sensitivities, and pressured the authorities to exhume the body.

The situation escalated rapidly on July 28 when a mob of nearly a thousand villagers allegedly invaded the local church, causing property damage, desecrating religious artifacts, and vandalizing nearby homes.

In reaction, around 300-400 members of the Christian community gathered at Mela Bhata ground in Jagdalpur before marching toward the Collectorate. The rally, characterized by placards and chants advocating for justice and religious freedom, was impeded by police barricades.

Protesters presented a memorandum to the additional Collector articulating five primary demands: legal action against those responsible for the Jamgaon vandalism, compensation for affected families, safeguarding burial rights, allocation of land for Christian burials, and guarantees for religious safety.

District officials confirmed receipt of the memorandum and stated that investigations into both the burial dispute and church vandalism are in progress.

“The district administration is examining the legal aspects of the incident and will undertake suitable action based on the findings,” a senior officer informed.

The deceased’s elder brother, Bhuneshwar Rathore, has accused foul play in Somlal’s death, asserting it was not due to natural causes. His request for a post-mortem examination has added a legal dimension to the already tense situation.

The body was reportedly exhumed in the presence of a magistrate and sent for autopsy at Narharpur Health Centre. Community leaders have warned that if their demands are not addressed within twenty days, they will intensify their agitation.

This incident has reignited concerns regarding religious intolerance and burial rights in tribal areas, with increasing calls for legislative intervention and constitutional safeguards gaining traction.