Police in Assam’s Nalbari district have arrested four people for allegedly vandalising a school decorated for Christmas celebrations, prompting Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to praise the swift action taken by law enforcement. The incident occurred a day before Christmas at St Mary’s School in Panigaon under the Belsor police station area.
According to police officials, the accused unlawfully entered the school premises and damaged Christmas decorations, setting some items on fire. The vandalism triggered concern over communal harmony in the region. Authorities said the same group also targeted several shops selling Christmas-related items in Nalbari town, damaging goods and setting some decorations ablaze near a Jain temple.
The arrested individuals have been identified as office bearers of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Bajrang Dal. Those taken into custody include Nalbari VHP district secretary Bhaskar Deka, district vice-president Manas Jyoti Patgiri, assistant secretary Biju Dutta, and Bajrang Dal district convener Nayan Talukdar. Police said the accused allegedly raised religious slogans and warned school authorities against holding Christmas celebrations.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma commended the police for acting promptly and reiterated that his government remains committed to maintaining peace, communal harmony, and the safety of all citizens and institutions. A case has been registered at Belsor police station, and investigations are ongoing to identify others who may have been involved in the incident.
