India, Sept. 8 -- Ayatu Ram Podiyami never imagined that his quiet faith would provoke a mob. On the morning of February 12, 2024, in Gufanpal village, Sukma District, Chhattisgarh, the tribal Christian father of three was dragged from his home and beaten with iron rods. His father, Mahngu Ram, was left unconscious. Their crime? Refusing to renounce Christianity.

Just days earlier, Ayatu had been summoned by the village council and given an ultimatum: abandon your faith or face the consequences. When he stood firm, over 250 villagers surrounded his home. He fled into the jungle-twice-to escape the mob, returning only to carry his injured father to the government hospital in Sukma. But when he sought justice, the police allegedly fabricat...