Incidents of alleged vandalism and disruption ahead of Christmas celebrations in several parts of India have triggered political outrage and raised concerns over religious freedom and public safety. From shopping malls to schools and churches, multiple reports emerged from states including Chhattisgarh, Assam, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh during the days leading up to Christmas.
In Chhattisgarh’s Raipur, Christmas decorations at Magneto Mall were vandalised during a day-long shutdown called over alleged religious conversions. According to police, a group of 40–50 people armed with rods and hockey sticks entered the mall, damaged Christmas trees and decorations, and raised slogans. Though the mall was closed at the time, visuals of the incident went viral on social media. Police said some accused have been identified and strict action will follow.
In Assam’s Nalbari district, members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal allegedly vandalised Christmas decorations at St Mary’s School and damaged festive items in nearby shops. Decorative lights, plant pots and other materials were burnt, causing property loss. Four people, including local office-bearers of the organisations, were arrested. Police said the accused also warned school authorities against holding Christmas celebrations.
Kerala’s Palakkad district witnessed another disturbing incident when a children’s Christmas carol group was allegedly attacked during house visits. Police said the accused damaged musical instruments and other items belonging to the group.
In Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur, a BJP district vice-president faced criticism after a video surfaced showing her in a heated exchange with a visually-impaired woman at a church event. The clip, widely shared online, drew sharp reactions from opposition leaders.
The incidents prompted strong political responses. Congress leaders termed the attacks “worrying and condemnable,” while MP Shashi Tharoor said Christmas was marked by fear and anxiety for Christians in some areas. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and state governments to ensure strict law enforcement and proactive protection for Christian communities, stressing that such acts undermine the constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion.
