Incidents of alleged vandalism, intimidation, and disruption of Christmas-related events in several parts of India in the days leading up to Christmas have triggered widespread concern and sharp political reactions. From malls and schools to churches and marketplaces, reports from states including Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Assam, and Madhya Pradesh highlighted a tense atmosphere during what is traditionally a season of celebration and communal harmony.
Opposition leaders and Christian organisations have condemned the incidents, warning that such acts risk undermining constitutional values and religious freedom.
Raipur Mall Targeted During Chhattisgarh Bandh
One of the most widely discussed incidents occurred in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, where Christmas decorations at a prominent shopping mall were vandalised during a day-long shutdown called over allegations of religious conversions. According to police officials cited by news agency PTI, a group of unidentified individuals entered Magneto Mall while it was closed and damaged festive installations, including a Christmas tree.
Mall authorities said that around 40 to 50 people, some reportedly carrying rods and hockey sticks, stormed the premises, raised slogans, and destroyed decorations placed both inside and outside the mall. Videos purportedly showing the vandalism circulated widely on social media, though they could not be independently verified.
Police later confirmed that some suspects had been identified and assured that strict action would follow. The bandh itself was linked to tensions in Kanker district over the burial of a member of a Christian family, an issue that has heightened religious sensitivities in parts of the state.
School and Shops Vandalised in Assam
In Assam’s Nalbari district, Christmas celebrations were disrupted at a school and several local shops following alleged acts of vandalism by members associated with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal. Police said four individuals were arrested after decorative items were destroyed and some were set on fire.
According to officials, the accused entered St Mary’s School in Panigaon village and damaged lights, decorations, plant pots, and other festive materials prepared for Christmas. Authorities said the group also visited shops selling Christmas goods in Nalbari town, burning items near a Jain Mandir and damaging merchandise in malls and commercial establishments.
Those arrested reportedly raised religious slogans and warned school authorities against hosting Christmas celebrations. Police said the incident resulted in property damage and sparked anxiety among school staff and shop owners.
Carol Group Attacked in Kerala
In Kerala’s Palakkad district, a Christmas carol group comprising children was allegedly attacked while visiting homes on Sunday night. Police identified the accused as Ashwin Raj and said he confronted the group, damaging their musical instruments and other belongings.
The incident occurred in an area known for strong ideological presence, according to police. A complaint was filed, and authorities said an investigation is underway. The attack drew criticism from civil society groups, who said such actions threaten Kerala’s long-standing tradition of religious coexistence.
BJP Functionary Draws Backlash in Madhya Pradesh
Another controversy erupted in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur after a video surfaced allegedly showing a BJP district vice-president, Anju Bhargava, in a heated altercation with a visually-impaired woman during a Christmas event at a church. In the clip, Bhargava appears to question the woman about bringing a young girl to a Christian gathering.
The video went viral on social media, prompting condemnation from opposition leaders. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate described the incident as “ignorant and cruel,” alleging it reflected growing intolerance. The BJP has not issued a detailed public response to the video, but the incident intensified political debate around religious freedom.
Political and Religious Leaders React
The incidents drew sharp reactions from opposition figures. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said Christmas was marked by “fear and anxiety” for many Christians this year, while former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot called the reported acts “worrying and condemnable.”
Amid rising concern, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) issued an appeal urging the central and state governments to ensure the safety of Christian communities. In a video message released on Christmas Eve, CBCI president Archbishop Andrews Thazhath appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and state chief ministers to enforce the law strictly and provide proactive protection.
He expressed “deep pain” over what he described as a disturbing rise in attacks on Christians, saying such incidents contradict the spirit of India’s Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion.
“Peaceful carol singers and faithful gathered for prayer have been targeted, causing fear among law-abiding citizens who wish only to practise their faith in peace,” the Archbishop said.
Calls for Calm and Constitutional Values
The pre-Christmas incidents have reignited debate over religious tolerance, law enforcement, and political responsibility. Rights groups and religious leaders have called for swift action against those responsible, emphasising that festivals should remain occasions of unity rather than division.
As investigations continue in multiple states, observers say the response of authorities in the coming days will be crucial in restoring confidence and ensuring that religious celebrations can take place without fear or intimidation.
