Staff Reporter, Nalbari, December 25: Police in Assam’s Nalbari district have arrested four leaders associated with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal following allegations of vandalising Christmas decorations at various locations, including a school, on the eve of Christmas. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation across Assam and raised concerns over religious tolerance.
The arrested individuals are Bhaskar Deka, secretary of the VHP Nalbari district committee; Manas Patgiri, vice-president; Biju Dutta, assistant secretary; and Nayanmani Talukdar, convener of Bajrang Dal’s Nalbari district unit. A case has been registered against them at Belsor Police Station (Case No. 116/2025) under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including 329(3), 326(f), 189(2), 351(2), 324(3), 324(4), and 61(2).
The allegations stem from incidents on Wednesday (December 24), when a group reportedly targeted shops and commercial establishments in Nalbari town selling Christmas items, damaging and setting fire to merchandise. Subsequently, at St. Mary’s English School in Panigaon village, west Nalbari, the group allegedly entered the premises, destroyed decorations prepared for Christmas and New Year celebrations, and set them ablaze while chanting slogans such as ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and ‘Jai Bajrang Dal’.
According to school principal Fr. Baiju Sebastian (also referred to as Baiju Chapajiya in some reports), he was not present at the school that day, with only a sister in charge on site. A group of approximately 15-20 individuals entered through the gate, initially seeking the principal. Upon learning he was absent, they proceeded to dismantle and burn decorations meticulously prepared by students using small lights and other items. Additional allegations include tearing down a name board banner and throwing stones at the gate.
Fr. Baiju condemned the act, stating that India is a secular country where everyone has the right to practise their religion. He called upon the Assam government to conduct a proper investigation.
On Thursday, a senior police team visited the school, recovered the damaged items, and initiated an investigation. The arrests followed a formal complaint lodged by the principal.
Members of Hindutva organisations had reportedly issued warnings that only events rooted in Indian culture should be organised in Nalbari.
The incident drew sharp criticism from former BJP MLA Ashok Sharma, who expressed shame as a resident of Nalbari. He emphasised that the Indian Constitution grants equal rights to all religions and noted that even the BJP’s guiding principles include ‘Sarva Dharma Sambhava’ (equality of all religions), the third of its five core tenets. Sharma said the actions disregarded these values and caused him personal distress.
Students of the school also condemned the vandalism, describing it as distressing and akin to hooliganism. They stressed that India allows everyone to celebrate their faith peacefully and highlighted the need for harmonious coexistence.
This event has raised questions about religious harmony in Assam, with various quarters calling for peace and mutual respect. Police have stated that the investigation is ongoing and measures are in place to maintain control over the situation.
