Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 27: A migrant worker from Chhattisgarh was allegedly lynched by a mob in Kerala, sparking renewed concern among civil rights groups over what they describe as a nationwide rise in attacks on religious minorities.
The victim, identified as Ramnarayan Baghel, had migrated from Chhattisgarh in search of work. Following the incident, the Kerala government said it had arrested the accused, announced compensation of ₹30 lakh for the victim’s family, and made arrangements to assist them.
By contrast, the Chhattisgarh government announced ₹5 lakh in compensation, with the family and activists stating that no additional assistance has yet been extended.
The killing comes amid reports of disruptions to Christmas-related activities in several parts of the country.
Civil society organisations allege that, in recent weeks, groups affiliated with the Sangh Parivar disrupted prayer meetings, attacked vendors selling Christmas items, damaged church property, and targeted school celebrations. In some locations, effigies of Santa Claus were reportedly burned or vandalised.
In Raipur, activists claimed that malls decorated for Christmas were attacked and members of the Christian community were assaulted after being questioned about their identities.
Data released by the United Christian Forum (UCF) indicates that 843 incidents of crimes against Christians were recorded across India in 2024, averaging around 70 incidents per month.
The forum further stated that by November 2025, 706 such incidents had already been documented. The figures could not be independently verified.
Rights groups have also raised concerns over changes to school holiday schedules in some Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled states, alleging that Christmas holidays were curtailed or cancelled in certain districts this year.
Political reactions have been sharply divided. Opposition leaders and minority organisations accused the BJP-led Union government of fostering a climate of communal polarisation, while pointing to public outreach efforts by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including visits to churches, as contradictory.
The BJP has repeatedly rejected allegations that it encourages violence or discrimination, asserting that law and order is a state subject and that attacks on any community are unacceptable.
Commentators have drawn parallels with communal violence in neighbouring countries, arguing that religious extremism—regardless of faith—targets minorities and fuels social division for political gain.
Migrant worker unions have also highlighted the vulnerability of inter-state labourers, questioning why workers from economically weaker regions continue to migrate in large numbers and face insecurity at their destinations.
They have demanded uniform compensation norms, stronger legal protections, and accountability across states.
Investigations into the Kerala lynching case are ongoing. Authorities have not ruled out further arrests.
