On the morning of Might 4, 2025, within the distant tribal village of Kapanar in Bastar District, Chhattisgarh, a brutal act of spiritual violence shattered a younger household. Twenty-two-year-old Kosa Kawasi, a Christian convert, was murdered in chilly blood by a mob of roughly twenty villagers, together with his personal uncle and cousin, for refusing to resign his Christian religion. His spouse, Jime Kawasi, witnessed the horror and survived solely by fleeing for her life.
This was not a spontaneous outburst. It was the results of months of intimidation, threats, and systemic neglect by native authorities.
A Focused Man: The Morning of the Killing
Kosa and his spouse had transformed to Christianity—a choice that instantly positioned them within the crosshairs of each household and group. In tribal areas like Bastar, spiritual conversions aren’t solely frowned upon however usually handled as a betrayal of custom and identification. The couple’s newfound religion triggered hostility from villagers, notably their very own kin.
Regardless of repeated threats, Kosa stood agency. He reported the intimidation to Darbha Police Station a number of occasions, searching for assist. However the police, both unwilling or pressured by native forces, refused to file a First Info Report (FIR). No motion was taken.
On Might 4, a mob descended upon Kosa’s dwelling. Main them had been his uncle, Dasru Kawasi, and cousin, Madiya Kawasi. They demanded Kosa resign his religion in Jesus Christ. He refused.
What adopted was a cruel assault. Kosa and his spouse had been overwhelmed with sticks, fists, and kicks. As Jime tried to defend her husband, the attackers stabbed him thrice within the abdomen. His youthful brother and spouse managed to pull his bleeding physique to security and name for an ambulance. However the violence didn’t cease.
In a closing act of savagery, the attackers returned with an axe. Kosa was struck on the pinnacle and died immediately, martyred for his religion.
Police arrived practically an hour later. Too late to save lots of him. Too late to forestall what they’d been warned about.
Aftermath: Terror and Displacement
Kosa’s widow, Jime, fled the village, traumatized and in worry for her life. Her phrases are chilling:
“I noticed them kill my husband proper earlier than my eyes. I used to be assaulted, however someway I managed to flee. I nonetheless worry that my husband’s killers will discover me and kill me.”
Her escape triggered a mass exodus. All 5 Christian households in Kapanar—together with kids and aged—fled in terror. Kosa’s brother, Hidma, narrowly survived when the mob destroyed his dwelling.
So far, no significant motion has been taken in opposition to the perpetrators.
What Should Be Completed:
This tragedy should not be buried with Kosa. His loss of life calls for an neutral investigation, prosecution of all perpetrators, and safety for the displaced households. India’s constitutional ensures of spiritual freedom imply nothing in the event that they can’t be enforced in its remotest corners.
Worldwide human rights organizations, Christian advocacy teams, and Indian civil society should increase their voices. Silence is complicity. Kosa Kawasi died for his religion. His blood now cries out—not for vengeance, however for justice.
