Four arrested for pre-Christmas vandalism at Assam school

Police in Assam have apprehended four members of right-wing organizations following a series of “hate-fueled” attacks on a Christian-run school and local shops in Nalbari district on Christmas Eve.

Authorities in Nalbari district arrested four men associated with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal on Thursday (December 25), after the targeted vandalism of St. Mary’s English School in Panigaon. The incident, which happened Wednesday afternoon, saw a group storm the school campus, shouting religious slogans and setting fire to Christmas decorations. The arrests came after a formal complaint was filed by the school’s principal, Fr. Baiju Sebastian, prompting a quick response from the state government.

According to police, about nine people entered the school premises around 2:30 PM on Wednesday. They reportedly damaged outdoor decorations, string lights, and plant pots, and tore down a nativity scene before setting everything on fire.

• The Arrestees: The four in custody have been identified as Bhaskar Deka (VHP District Secretary), Manash Jyoti Patgiri (VHP Vice President), Biju Dutta (VHP Assistant Secretary), and Nayan Talukdar (Bajrang Dal District Convener).
• Town-wide Attacks: Beyond the school, the group allegedly targeted businesses in Nalbari town. They were seen burning Santa hats, Christmas trees, and banners near the Jain Mandir area, warning shopkeepers against selling “non-Indian” festive goods.
• Police Action: A case (No. 116/2025) has been registered at the Belsor Police Station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including criminal trespass, mischief by fire, and criminal intimidation.

“This act wounds religious sentiments, spreads hatred, and violates constitutional rights to freedom of religion… threatening Assam’s peace and harmony,” said Allen Brooks, spokesperson for the Assam Christian Forum, which described the holiday as an “anguished celebration” for the community.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma praised the police for their quick action, saying on social media: “My government is committed to maintaining peace, communal harmony, and ensuring the safety of all institutions and citizens across the state.”

The incident has triggered a sharp political divide. Gaurav Gogoi, president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, condemned the “desecration” and alleged such acts were a product of the “politics of hatred” spread by the ruling party. On the other hand, VHP District Secretary Bhaskar Deka told reporters before his arrest that the group only accepts trade in items of “Indian origin” and doesn’t support business tied to “non-Indian” festivals.

While the four main suspects are in custody, police confirmed an investigation is ongoing to identify the remaining members of the group seen in social media videos. Security has been beefed up around religious institutions in Nalbari and surrounding districts to prevent further communal tension as year-end festivities continue.

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