ISLAMABAD: Six members of the Bajrang Dal who were arrested for allegedly vandalizing Christmas decorations at Raipur’s Magneto Mall were released on bail this week, a development that sparked controversy after public celebrations and provocative slogans marked their release, Indian media reported.
Bajrang Dal is a right-wing Hindu nationalist youth organization affiliated with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, known for activism around Hindutva issues in India.
The incident dates back to Dec. 24, when a group of men allegedly barged into the mall armed with sticks and damaged Christmas-themed decorations a day ahead of the festival.
Vandalism
Videos of the vandalism circulated widely on social media, showing festive installations being destroyed in the presence of shoppers and staff.
Police later arrested six Bajrang Dal workers on Dec. 27 in connection with the incident.
A magistrate's court in Raipur initially denied bail to the accused.
However, a sessions court subsequently granted them bail, following which the six walked out of jail on Thursday.
Their release was followed by a procession organized by supporters, who welcomed them with garlands, drums, and celebratory music.
‘Isai missionary murdabad’
Videos shared online showed the men being carried on shoulders while slogans such as “Isai missionary murdabad” (Death to Christian Missionaries) and “Jai Shri Ram” (Victory to Lord Ram) were raised.
Bajrang Dal state coordinator Rishi Mishra defended the celebration, stating that there was nothing inappropriate about organizing a procession for those released on bail, Indian media reported.
He claimed the incident was linked to protests against alleged religious conversions in Chhattisgarh and said slogans reflected that sentiment.
The vandalism occurred on the day a Hindutva group had called for a state-wide "bandh" (shutdown) to protest alleged illegal religious conversions.
The bandh followed communal tensions in Bade Teoda village of Kanker district, where clashes broke out on Dec. 16 and 17 over the burial of a Christian individual.
Public show of intimidation
Fresh violence was reported from the same village on Dec. 18 after a mob breached police barricades.
A case against the six accused has been registered at the Telibandha Police Station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including trespassing, causing damage to property, rioting, unlawful assembly, and causing hurt.
Civil society groups and minority organizations have criticized the celebratory welcome, arguing that it turns a routine legal process into a public show of intimidation.
Police officials said investigations into the Magneto Mall vandalism are ongoing and that legal proceedings will continue.
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