Christian Woman’s Death Rocks Community
In a tragic incident last week, a tribal villager in India brutally murdered his 32-year-old niece, Bindu Sodi, using an axe and stones, reportedly over a land dispute rooted in religious differences. The shocking incident unfolded in Toylanka village, Kotewarpara, located in the Dantewada District of Chhattisgarh state. Bindu, who was the sole provider for her mother, sister, younger brother, his wife, and their two-year-old child, was targeted allegedly because she and her family had embraced Christianity.
The conflict began when Bindu’s uncle, Chetu Sodi, along with his son, Kumma Sodi, encroached upon land belonging to Bindu’s younger brother, Bhima Sodi, planting seeds on a portion of the parcel. Bhima, following the advice of their pastor, lodged a complaint with the local police and sought intervention from the revenue department to settle the dispute over rightful ownership.
Despite efforts by authorities to resolve the matter, tensions escalated. On the fateful evening of June 24, as Bindu, Bhima, and their family members attempted to cultivate the remaining portion of their land, they were confronted by Chetu Sodi and Kumma Sodi. Bindu recorded the confrontation on her mobile phone, capturing her uncle wielding stones and advancing aggressively towards them.
In the ensuing chaos, Bindu fell while attempting to flee, and was brutally assaulted by her uncle and cousin. Despite desperate attempts by family members to seek help, police response was delayed until the following day, as it was deemed too late to intervene effectively due to darkness.
Bindu succumbed to her injuries, inflicted by multiple blows from stones and an axe, marking a tragic end to a dispute exacerbated by religious differences. Following the incident, Chetu Sodi and Kumma Sodi were arrested and charged with murder under Sections 302 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code.
The incident has drawn attention to the plight of religious minorities in India, particularly Christians, amidst concerns of increasing hostility fueled by religious and political tensions. Advocates for religious freedom have raised alarm over the deteriorating situation, citing incidents like Bindu’s murder as indicative of broader challenges faced by non-Hindu communities in the country.
Bindu Sodi, remembered as a dedicated teacher and influential figure in her community for her Christian faith, had reportedly played a pivotal role in introducing several families to Christianity in Toylanka village. Her tragic death underscores the urgent need for greater protection of religious minorities and effective measures to address communal violence in India.