Bajrang Dal Members Get Bail in Christmas Decoration Vandalism Case, Given Hero’s Welcome
Raipur, Chhattisgarh | January 6, 2026 | DeccanLive.com
Six members of the Bajrang Dal, who were arrested for damaging Christmas decorations at Raipur’s Magneto Mall in Chhattisgarh, were released on bail on January 1. The incident had taken place a day before Christmas during a bandh called by right-wing groups.
After their release from jail, the accused were welcomed by Bajrang Dal workers with garlands, slogans were raised, and a small procession was taken out. Supporters were seen chanting religious slogans and carrying the men on their shoulders, treating them like heroes.
According to media reports, a local magistrate court had earlier rejected their bail plea on December 29, but later the sessions court granted bail.
The incident occurred on December 24, when a group carrying sticks entered the popular Magneto Mall during a protest against alleged religious conversions. The group allegedly damaged Christmas decorations inside the mall. Security guards tried to stop them but failed.
Following the incident, Telibandha Police registered an FIR against 30 to 40 unknown persons under various sections related to trespassing, damaging property, rioting, and unlawful assembly. Later, six people were arrested and one minor was detained. The arrested men spent five days in jail before getting bail.
After the arrests, around 300 Bajrang Dal workers staged a protest outside the Telibandha police station, blocking traffic for nearly nine hours. No separate case was registered in connection with the road blockade.
The incident and the welcome given to the accused have triggered debate and criticism, with many questioning the message it sends about law, order, and communal harmony.
