Assam Police on Friday confirmed the arrest of four individuals linked to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal in connection with an incident of vandalism at a Christian-run school in Nalbari district ahead of Christmas celebrations.
According to police officials, the incident took place on Wednesday at St Mary’s School in Panigaon village, which falls under the Belsor police station limits. The accused allegedly entered the school premises without permission and damaged decorative items that had been put up for Christmas.
Police said the four were taken into custody on Thursday after preliminary investigation established their involvement. Those arrested have been identified as Bhaskar Deka, district secretary of VHP Nalbari; Manash Jyoti Patgiri, district vice-president; Biju Dutta, assistant secretary of the organisation; and Nayan Talukdar, the district convenor of Bajrang Dal.
Officials alleged that the group not only vandalised decorations but also warned the school authorities against celebrating Christmas. They are also accused of raising religious slogans inside the school premises. The matter escalated further when the group allegedly moved to Nalbari town and targeted shops selling Christmas-related items.
“They went to several shops selling Christmas decorations and set some items on fire near the Jain Mandir area,” a police official said, adding that the acts created tension in the locality.
Reacting strongly to the incident, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma assured strict action against all those responsible. In a post on X, the chief minister said Assam Police had acted swiftly and that the state government would not tolerate any act that disturbs communal harmony.
“In connection with the vandalism at St Mary’s English School, Panigaon, the miscreants involved have been arrested. Further action will be taken strictly as per law. Our government is fully committed to maintaining peace, communal harmony, and ensuring the safety of all institutions and citizens across Assam,” Sarma said.
