Four Leaders Arrested for Disrupting Christmas Celebrations in Nalbari

In Nalbari, four leaders from Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal were arrested for their role in vandalizing Christmas decorations at St. Mary's School. The incident occurred on Christmas Eve, leading to widespread destruction and threats against the school. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has assured that strict legal action will follow. The police are actively pursuing additional suspects involved in the vandalism. This incident raises concerns about communal harmony and the safety of institutions in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 26, 2025, 09:55 IST

Arrests Made Following School Vandalism

Nalbari, Dec 26: On Thursday, law enforcement apprehended four individuals—three affiliated with Vishwa Hindu Parishad and one from Bajrang Dal—for their involvement in disrupting Christmas festivities at St. Mary's School in Panigaon, Nalbari district, the previous day.

The detained individuals include Manas Patgiri, vice president of the VHP's Nalbari district committee, along with secretary Bhaskar Deka, assistant secretary Biju Dutta, and Nayanmoni Talukdar, the Bajrang Dal's district coordinator.

They were taken into custody near Riddhi Siddhi Hotel in Nalbari town and are currently being interrogated at Belsor Police Station. Their arrest stems from leading a protest that resulted in significant vandalism at the school on Christmas Eve.

During the protest, demonstrators destroyed banners and decorations, set fire to Christmas items, and even discarded a statue of Jesus Christ. The group chanted 'Jai Shree Ram' on the school grounds, threatening the administration against any Christmas celebrations.

Additionally, VHP and Bajrang Dal leaders targeted local businesses, seizing and burning items related to Christmas festivities.

Father Baiju Sebastian, the principal of St. Mary's School, reported the incident to the Nalbari district superintendent of police and subsequently filed a complaint at Belsor police station on behalf of the school.

Authorities are actively searching for additional individuals involved in the vandalism.

In response to the incident, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took to social media, promising strict legal action against those responsible.

He stated, “In connection with the vandalism at St. Mary’s English School, Panigaon, under Belsor Police Station, Nalbari district, the miscreants involved have been arrested. Assam Police acted promptly, and further action will be taken strictly as per law. We are fully committed to maintaining peace, communal harmony, and ensuring the safety of all institutions and citizens across the state.”