Ten Arrested in Ghaziabad for Distributing Swords Amid Rising Tensions

Arrests Made in Ghaziabad

Authorities in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, reported the arrest of ten individuals linked to the Hindu Raksha Dal for allegedly distributing swords in the Shalimar Garden area. This action was confirmed by police on Monday.

Assistant Police Commissioner Atul Kumar Singh stated that a first information report (FIR) has been filed against 16 identified individuals and an additional 25 to 30 unidentified suspects.

Among those named in the FIR is Bhupendra Chaudhary, also known as Pinki, who serves as the national president of the Hindu Raksha Dal. Reports indicate he is currently evading capture.

The arrests followed the emergence of videos on social media that depicted members of the group displaying and distributing swords.

In one of the videos, Chaudhary was heard stating, "Given the recent violence against our Hindu brothers in Bangladesh, it is essential for Hindus to arm themselves with swords for self-defense."

He further declared, "The Hindu Raksha Dal will confront every jihadist in their own manner."

Chaudhary's comments referenced the tragic incident involving Dipu Chandra Das, a factory worker who was lynched in Bangladesh's Mymensingh district on December 18 after being accused of blasphemy.

The FIR alleges that members of the Hindu Raksha Dal also chanted communal slogans while parading through the area armed with weapons.

The case has been registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which address rioting, rioting with deadly weapons, and wrongful confinement, as well as provisions from the Criminal Law Amendment Act.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Nimish Patil indicated that additional charges may be applied as more evidence comes to light, and efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining suspects.

He emphasized that the police will not allow any group to disrupt public order and communal harmony.