Assam Police Detain Four for Vandalizing Christmas Decorations in Nalbari

In a troubling incident in Assam, four members of Hindutva organizations were arrested for vandalizing Christmas decorations at a school in Nalbari. This act is part of a broader pattern of attacks on Christians and disruptions to Christmas celebrations across India. Reports indicate similar incidents in Chhattisgarh and Kerala, raising concerns about religious freedom and safety during the festive season. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India has condemned these actions, highlighting the need for protection of constitutional rights. Read on to learn more about these alarming developments.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 26, 2025, 08:22 IST

Arrests Made in Nalbari Incident

The Assam Police have taken into custody four individuals linked to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal for their alleged involvement in vandalizing Christmas decorations at a school in Nalbari district, as reported by local authorities on Thursday.

Those arrested include Bhaskar Deka, the district Secretary of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Manash Jyoti Patgiri, the district Vice President, Assistant Secretary Biju Dutta, and Nayan Talukdar, the district Convenor of Bajrang Dal.

Both Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal are affiliated with a network of Hindutva organizations led by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, which is the parent body of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

The vandalism reportedly took place at St Mary’s School in Panigaon village on Wednesday. A video shared by a local news outlet depicted the individuals setting fire to Christmas decorations while chanting 'Jai Shri Ram'.

Authorities have filed charges under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including criminal trespass, unlawful assembly, criminal intimidation, and conspiracy, along with charges for causing mischief through fire or explosive substances.

Further Incidents of Vandalism

In a separate incident in Nalbari, approximately 15 to 20 members of Hindutva organizations reportedly burned Christmas decorations at a local shop and pressured the business to shut down, according to reports.

This incident is part of a troubling trend, as multiple reports have emerged over the past week detailing attacks on Christians and disruptions to Christmas celebrations across various regions.

In Raipur, Chhattisgarh, a mob associated with Hindutva vandalized Christmas decorations at a shopping mall, with videos circulating on social media showing individuals armed with sticks destroying the festive displays just a day before Christmas.

This act coincided with a state-wide strike called by a Hindutva group protesting against alleged illegal religious conversions in Chhattisgarh.

In Kerala, a member of the RSS was arrested following an attack on a group of children singing Christmas carols in Pudussery village.

Additionally, some schools in Kerala, managed by Hindutva organizations, reportedly halted Christmas celebrations, although the school management denied these claims.

In Haridwar, Uttarakhand, a government-run hotel canceled a planned Christmas celebration after protests from the Ganga Sabha, which oversees the Har-ki-Pauri ghat.

A video shared by Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj showed men intimidating women and children wearing Santa Claus hats in Delhi’s Lajpat Nagar.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India expressed alarm over the rising incidents of violence against Christians in various states leading up to Christmas, emphasizing that these actions threaten the constitutional rights to religious freedom and safe worship.