Four Families In Jharkhand Village Face 'Boycott' For Converting To Christianity, Barred From Pond & Forest

Last Updated:February 02, 2026, 17:18 IST

The affected families alleged that the decision was made by Sarna faith members, who claimed that it was necessary to protect their religion, culture, and traditional belief system

The affected families alleged that they were not being allowed to use public facilities like the village pond, well, handpump, and barred from entering the forest and local shops. (Image for representation: IMAGEN 4 ENGINE)

Four families in a remote Jharkhand village faced social boycott for converting to Christianity, following which the police and local administration intervened to stop the situation from escalating.

The affected families alleged that they were not being allowed to use the village pond, well, handpump, and were barred from collecting firewood and leaves from the forest as well as from entering local shops.

The incident took place in a remote region of Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district. According to a report by The Indian Express, the ostracised families are from Haldi Pokhar village in Jagannathpur block.

The report said the families alleged that the decision to boycott was made by members of the Sarna faith, who claimed that it was necessary to protect their religion, culture, and traditional belief system. They have claimed that continued conversions will adversely affect their forest deity and social structure, the families said.

Police and revenue officials had to intervene once the matter was reported on January 31. Kumardungi police station officer-in-charge Ranjit Oraon said he personally visited the remote village – where mobile phone networks are reportedly unreliable – to mediate between all parties, including the village munda (headman).

“We went to the village ourselves and spoke to everyone. The entire village was called, including the village munda. The circle officer was also present. Everyone was clearly informed that social boycott is a punishable offence," Oraon told The Indian Express.

The authorities told the Sarna community members that such discriminatory exclusion is both illegal and unconstitutional. They warned the leadership that the munda represents the entire village rather than a specific community, and that further rights violations will result in criminal prosecution and an FIR.

“They were told that the munda (village head) represents the entire village, not any particular community. We work according to the Constitution, not for any individual or group," he was quoted. “We clearly told them not to decide anything on their own. If there is even a small problem, they should inform us and we will reach there."

Circle officer Mukta Soren said discrimination on religious grounds is strictly prohibited under the Constitution, and the police are monitoring the situation.

The dispute, however, concluded with a compromise on maintaining separate facilities for the residents. Village residents, however, claimed that while the families are still restricted from using the main public facilities, it was agreed they will be allowed to draw water from a separate well located near their houses.

News india Four Families In Jharkhand Village Face 'Boycott' For Converting To Christianity, Barred From Pond & Forest

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