In a significant development, six members of the Bajrang Dal, arrested for vandalising Christmas decorations at a prominent mall in Chhattisgarh's capital, were granted bail by a Sessions Court on Wednesday, January 2, 2026. Upon their release from jail in Raipur city on Thursday, they were accorded a 'hero's welcome' by their supporters.
A Festive Display Destroyed
The incident traces back to Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025. A mob, armed with wooden sticks, forcibly entered the popular Magneto Mall in Raipur. Their target was the festive decor, which included figures of Santa Claus, reindeer, sleighs, and snowmen. Security personnel attempted to intervene but were overpowered by the group.
This act of vandalism occurred on the same day that right-wing groups, under the banner of Sarva Hindu Samaj, had called for a day-long bandh (shutdown) across Chhattisgarh. The protest was against alleged religious conversions reportedly taking place in the state, a claim linked to a recent clash over a burial in Bastar's Kanker district.
Legal Action and Arrests
Following the vandalism, an FIR was registered the same night at the Telibandha police station. The complaint was against 30-40 unidentified individuals under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to trespassing, intentionally causing damage to property, causing hurt, rioting, and unlawful assembly.
Subsequently, on December 27, the police arrested six men and apprehended a minor in connection with the case. The six adult accused spent five days in judicial custody. Their initial bail plea was rejected by a magistrate court on December 29, before the Sessions Court granted them relief.
Bail and a Grand Welcome
The court's decision to grant bail led to immediate celebrations by Bajrang Dal members. As the six men walked out of jail, they were greeted with garlands and chants of 'Raghu Pati Raghav Raja Ram'. In a show of support, a procession was taken out where the accused were carried on the shoulders of their associates.
The arrests had previously sparked anger within the group. Around 300 Bajrang Dal workers staged a sit-in protest on an arterial road outside the Telibandha police station, blocking traffic for nearly nine hours. No police complaint was registered regarding this blockade.
Bajrang Dal leaders have not commented on the incident or the celebratory welcome when contacted. The case continues as the legal process unfolds against the accused for their alleged role in the Christmas Eve vandalism at Magneto Mall.
