An Easter celebration at a private hall in Ahmedabad’s Odhav locality was disrupted on Sunday (April 20) morning by members of the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), who alleged that religious conversions were taking place at the gathering. The police, however, have stated that no evidence has been found to support these claims.

Videos widely circulated on social media showed a group of men entering the venue, chanting ‘Jai Shree Ram’ slogans and wielding sticks. Around 100 members of the Christian community were present at the event when the disruption occurred.

Several Congress leaders, including Shama Mohamed, condemned the incident and shared footage of the intrusion on social media, calling it an attack on the freedom of religion.

According to The Indian Express, members of the right-wing groups questioned attendees about their religious affiliations and specifically asked how many among them were Hindus. The police were called to the scene, following which representatives from both sides were taken to the local police station for inquiry.

Darshan Joshi, a Bajrang Dal member, and Emanuel Amaydas, representing the Christian community, both lodged complaints regarding the incident. As of now, both complaints are under investigation.

Odhav police inspector P.N. Zinzuvadia told The Indian Express that no evidence had been found to support the Bajrang Dal’s claim of religious conversion. Emanuel Amaydas’s complaint detailed that a group of 10–15 unidentified youths forcefully entered the hall and disrupted the peaceful celebration.

The incident comes amid growing concerns over increasing violence against Christians in India. Data released earlier this year by the United Christian Forum (UCF) recorded 834 incidents of attacks on Christians in 2024, a rise from 734 in 2023.

According to Christian advocacy groups, over 720 cases were reported to the Evangelical Fellowship of India’s Religious Liberty Commission (EFIRLC) between January and mid-December 2024.

In a joint appeal to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leaders from 30 Christian denominations have urged the government to take immediate action to curb the escalating violence against their community.

Earlier this month, a fact-finding team comprising lawyers and activists claimed that a church in Juba village, Odisha, was desecrated during a police operation allegedly aimed at curbing marijuana cultivation. The team reported that priests and children were beaten with sticks, and women were molested during the raid.