The incident echoes a disturbing trend, questioning accountability and justice for targeted communities
NEW DELHI — Six Bajrang Dal members, arrested for vandalising Christmas decorations in Chhattisgarh’s Raipur last week, walked out of jail to a hero’s welcome by fellow activists. After spending five days in judicial custody, the accused were released on bail on January 1. The group’s release after a sessions court overturned a magistrate court’s decision, highlights the concerns about impunity for attacks on minorities.
The welcome procession, with chants of Hindu slogans, underscores the normalisation of violence against minorities. This incident echoes a disturbing trend, questioning accountability and justice for targeted communities.
Media reports said vandalism occurred on December 24 at Magneto Mall, a popular shopping centre in Raipur, when a mob armed with wooden sticks barged into the premises during a strike called by Hindutva groups over alleged religious conversions. The mob smashed Christmas decorations, including installations of Santa Claus, reindeer, sleighs and snowmen, and overpowered security guards who tried to stop them.
An FIR was registered at Telibandha police station against 30–40 unidentified men under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to trespassing, rioting, causing damage to property and unlawful assembly. Police later arrested six men and apprehended a minor on December 27. The accused spent only five days in jail before securing bail.
Following the arrests, around 300 Bajrang Dal workers staged a sit-in outside the Telibandha police station, blocking traffic for nearly nine hours to pressure the authorities. Notably, no FIR was registered against those who blocked roads and disrupted public life.
Defending the actions of the accused, Bajrang Dal state coordinator Rishi Mishra claimed the incident was linked to alleged religious conversions and described the arrests as a “conspiracy.” He openly justified the slogans raised against Christians, underscoring the climate of hate and intolerance.
Human rights observers say the episode exposes the deep-rooted culture of impunity enjoyed by Hindutva groups. They note that while minorities are swiftly targeted under harsh laws, members of right-wing outfits accused of violence and vandalism are often released quickly and even celebrated as heroes.
Congress condemned the the release of the Bajrang Dal members accused in Christian decoration vandalism in Raipur and slammed the state govenment for supporting supporting hooliganism.
“The state govt should take stringent action against those involved in the violence, instead released them,” said Congress communication head Sushil Anand Shukla.”
Congress leader Dr Shama Mohamed, taking to X formerly Twitter, wrote: “Rapists of Bilkis Bano were garlanded after their release and were even used in BJP campaigns. Now, the goons who vandalised Christmas celebrations in a mall in Chhattisgarh are being welcomed like heroes after their release.This is what the BJP and @narendramodi have turned India into.”
How can such criminals be released and celebrated? The Christian community in Kerala and across the country is watching, she further said.
Analysts warn that such judicial leniency and political patronage embolden right-wingers, normalise attacks on minorities and further erode the rule of law in India, raising serious concerns about the safety and rights of religious minorities under the BJP-led dispensation.
