Photo: Morning Star News
In a tribal region of Odisha State, three members of a Christian family were recently killed by close relatives, leaving three children orphaned and now in hiding. The incident took place in the village of Nialijharan on January 25th, claiming the lives of Jitendra Soren and his wife Malati, along with their 15-year-old daughter Sasmita.
Jitendra and Malati are survived by their 21-year-old married daughter Pana, their 18-year-old son Suguda, and their 12-year-old daughter Rani. Although both Pana and Rani witnessed the horrific attack, the traumatized sisters were able to narrowly escape with their lives. Their brother Suguda was not home at the time of the incident.
Those accused of the killings are Jitendra's brothers, Baidyanath and Laxman, as well as Baidyanath's son Sudam. While authorities have cited a "long-standing land dispute" between the brothers as the official motive for the attack, the slain couple's surviving son stated that his family's recent conversion to Christianity – a decision considered "intolerable" within their village – was at the heart of the hostility.
Jitendra began following Christ eight months earlier, during a time of prolonged illness. After receiving prayer, the family began attending church regularly. Following Jitendra's healing from liver damage, he and his wife – as well as their children – eventually committed their lives to the Lord. Noticing Jitendra's healing, his brother Baidyanath confronted him about his Christian faith. According to Suguda, "My uncles objected to our faith and often argued with my parents." When Baidyanath's own daughter fell ill, he blamed Jitendra and his family, alleging that the newly converted Christians were "practising witchcraft."
On January 25th, when the condition of Baidyanath's daughter worsened, he – along with his son Sudam and brother Laxman – rushed to Jitendra's home, armed with bamboo staffs and an axe. Despite pleas for mercy, Jitendra was beaten to death. When his wife Malati and daughter Sasmita attempted to intervene, the assailants slit their throats.
That day, Pana had been visiting her parents with her two small children. Hearing the commotion, the young mother ran to help but was told by her uncles that because she was now married – and therefore no longer considered part of the Soren family – she should flee. Rani, overhearing this conversation, fled to a neighbouring village where she alerted local residents who then contacted the police.
Suguda and Rani have since taken refuge with a Christian family and refuse to return to the village due to fear. Relatives there have urged the surviving children to return, saying: "You have nobody now. Stop following Christ and we will take care of you and live together." The siblings have declined, with Suguda firmly responding: "We will not leave Christ. We will live as Christians; and when we die, we will die as Christians."
In an effort to promote peace, a prayer meeting was organized at the house of the deceased on February 16th. Under police protection, approximately 400 people gathered for the event. According to Anil Kumar Nayak, a church leader who has been assisting the couple's surviving children, "By the grace of God, the program was blessed."
An application has been submitted requesting that the police investigation be transferred to an independent agency to ensure fairness. The application highlights the hostility of opposing villagers towards the Soren family because of their faith in Christ.
For Christians living in tribal areas of India, religious opposition can be compounded by cultural beliefs and close family connections. Witchcraft accusations are also commonly used against followers of Christ due to entrenched superstitions. Review additional reports concerning the persecution of believers in India.
- Prayerfully remember the slain couple's three surviving children – Pana, Suguda and Rani – asking God to provide them safety, comfort, emotional healing and restoration.
- May the Lord fill the hearts of these grieving young people with His peace as they navigate their way through this traumatic season in their lives – sovereignly guiding them to a promising, hope-filled future (Romans 8:28).
- Pray that the authorities would conduct their investigation with impartiality and integrity, so that truth and justice will prevail.
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