Ananya Lohia , Kolkata - Tension gripped West Bengal's South 24 Parganas after an under-construction church in Sonarpur was allegedly vandalised by a mob over claims of religious conversion. Police have registered an FIR and launched an investigation.

According to members of the Christian community, around 100 people entered the church premises on Sunday, allegedly threatened worshippers and damaged parts of the under-construction structure, including its door, pillars and three crosses. The church belongs to the Presbyterian Church of India and was being built for nearly 50 Christian families in the area. Community members alleged that those involved identified themselves as members of the Hindu Jagran Manch and accused them of carrying out religious conversions.

They denied the allegations, saying they had been living in the area for years and only wanted a nearby place of worship. Police reached the spot after receiving information, detained three people and later registered an FIR for criminal trespass, damage to property and criminal intimidation. Meanwhile, representatives of the Hindu Jagran Manch claimed local residents had raised concerns over an allegedly illegal church and suspected conversion activities.

Police said the situation is now under control and the investigation is underway, while Christian community leaders have announced a protest and plan to submit a memorandum to the Governor.