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Assam Arrests, Raipur Probe Follow Christmas Vandalism Linked to Hindutva Groups

Police moved from statements to arrests in Assam after pre-Christmas vandalism tied to Hindutva groups.

Overview

  • Assam Police arrested four named office-bearers — VHP leaders Bhaskar Deka, Manash Jyoti Patgiri and Biju Dutta, and Bajrang Dal convenor Nayan Talukdar — over attacks at St Mary’s School in Nalbari.
  • The four were booked under multiple Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita provisions, including criminal trespass, unlawful assembly, criminal intimidation, mischief by fire, damage to property and criminal conspiracy.
  • Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the arrests were prompt and promised further action under law to protect peace and communal harmony across the state.
  • In Raipur, Chhattisgarh, police registered an FIR naming 30–40 unidentified persons after Magneto Mall’s Christmas decorations were vandalised during a bandh; investigators are reviewing CCTV and vehicle records to identify suspects.
  • The bandh was called by Sarva Hindu Samaj after a clash in Kanker, and church bodies including the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India urged authorities to ensure proactive protection of Christian communities.