Assam: Four Bajrang Dal members arrested for vandalising Christmas decor in Nalbari

Following the vandalism at St Mary’s English School in Panigaon village, Nalbari district of Assam, the police have arrested at least four individuals linked to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad Bajrang Dal (VHPBD).

They were arrested based on a case was filed at Belsor Police Station as Case No 116/2025 under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including 329(3) (mischief causing damage), 326(f) (criminal intimidation), 189(2), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 324(3), 324(4), and 61(2) (criminal conspiracy).

The arrested persons have been identified as Bhaskar Deka (34), claimed as the General Secretary of Vishwa Hindu Parishad Bajrang Dal(VHP) in Nalbari, along with Manash Jyoti Patgiri (32), Biju Dutta (34) and Nayan Talukdar (37). 

Police sources stated that the group allegedly entered the school premises, destroyed banners, posters, and other festive decorations, and set some items on fire while raising slogans.

Reports indicate that the activists, associated with VHP and Bajrang Dal, also targeted shops in Nalbari town selling Christmas-related items, torching certain goods in protest against what they described as celebrations of a "non-Indian origin" festival.

The incident, which occurred on Christmas Eve, drew widespread condemnation from opposition leaders and minority groups, who highlighted concerns over communal harmony. Police stated that the investigation is ongoing, with further arrests possible as more details emerge.

Congress leaders Gaurav Gogoi and Debabrata Saikia too condemned the incident and called for a thorough probe and urged for strict actions.

The Assam Christian Forum (ACF) condemned the vandalism of Christmas preparations at the school premises and the targeted destruction of Christmas merchandise at multiple commercial establishments across Nalbari town.

It may be mentioned that the incident took place on December 24 at St. Mary’s English School. The group first tore banners, posters, and decorations were forcibly torn down, creating panic among students and staff.

The group then moved on to shops, including malls in the town, burning Christmas gifts and decorations. Reports suggest that 15–20 activists were involved but only four have been arrested so far.

Even more alarming are claims that warnings had been issued to shopkeepers days in advance, effectively declaring a private ban on Christmas merchandise. Those who ignored or were unaware of these warnings became targets of what can only be described as mob enforcement.

A Bajrang Dal activist had earlier publicly justified the raids, stating that Christmas is “not a festival of Hindus or Indian tradition” and therefore should not be celebrated.

Also Read: Who Is Protecting Indigenous Assam When Karbi Are Called ‘Chinese’?