Four men linked with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal have been arrested by police for allegedly vandalising Christmas decorations at St. Mary’s English School in Panigaon village under Nalbari district. The incident took place on December 24, Christmas Eve, and has since triggered strong reactions across the state.
According to the police, the arrests were made after a case was registered at Belsor Police Station as Case No. 116/2025. The case has been filed under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, including charges related to criminal conspiracy, criminal intimidation, and damage to property. Police officials said the investigation is still underway and more arrests may follow.
The four arrested have been identified as Bhaskar Deka (34), who is said to be the General Secretary of the VHP Bajrang Dal unit in Nalbari, Manash Jyoti Patgiri (32), Biju Dutta (34) and Nayan Talukdar (37). Police sources said the group allegedly entered the school premises and destroyed banners, posters, and other Christmas decorations. Some of the items were reportedly set on fire while slogans were raised inside the campus. 
The vandalism did not stop at the school. Reports suggest that several shops in Nalbari town selling Christmas goods were also targeted. Witnesses said that decorations and merchandise were burnt, and shopkeepers were warned against selling items related to the festival. Some traders also claimed that they had received prior warnings from certain activists asking them not to keep Christmas-related items for sale.
Local residents and community groups said the incident created fear among students, teachers, and traders. At St. Mary’s English School, decorations were allegedly torn down in full view of school staff, causing panic. Some students were also present at the time, though no injuries were reported.
The action has been widely condemned by political leaders, community organisations, and civil society groups. Congress leaders Gaurav Gogoi and Debabrata Saikia criticised the incident and demanded a thorough probe. They also called for strict legal action against those responsible.
The Assam Christian Forum (ACF) strongly condemned the vandalism. In a statement, the Forum said that not only the school but also Christmas merchandise at commercial establishments across Nalbari town had been attacked. The organisation expressed concern over what it described as attempts to disturb social harmony.
Reports also suggest that around 15–20 activists may have been involved in the series of incidents across the district. However, only four arrests have been made so far. Police have stated that the investigation is ongoing and further details may emerge.
In a separate statement earlier, a Bajrang Dal activist was quoted as saying that Christmas was not part of Hindu or Indian tradition, and therefore celebrations should not be encouraged. This comment has added to the public debate surrounding the incident, with many questioning attempts to interfere in peaceful community observances.
Police officials said the four arrested men were picked up near Riddhi Siddhi Hotel in Nalbari. They are now being questioned at Belsor Police Station. Authorities added that strict action would be taken against anyone trying to disturb public peace or create a climate of fear.
