Attacks And Vandalism Reported During Christmas Celebrations Across India

Multiple incidents of vandalism and harassment related to Christmas celebrations were reported across India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi went to attend a Christmas morning service at a Cathedral Church in New Delhi.

In Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur, two attacks on Christian prayer meetings were reported on December 20 and 22. In Gorakhpur, BJP district vice-president Anju Bhargav allegedly assaulted Safalta Kartik, a visually impaired woman. Safalta later told Newslaundry that Bhargav blamed her blindness on her visit to a church.

In Assam’s Nalbari district, VHP and Bajrang Dal members allegedly vandalised Christmas decorations at St Mary’s School and nearby shops on December 24. Four people were arrested, including VHP district secretary Bhaskar Deka, vice-president Manash Jyoti Patgiri, assistant secretary Biju Dutta, and Bajrang Dal district convenor Nayan Talukdar.

In Chhattisgarh, a state-wide bandh was called on December 24 by the right-wing group Sarva Samaj over alleged forced conversions. During the bandh, unidentified group of people, wearing a mask, vandalised Christmas decorations at Magneto Mall in Raipur.

In several states, incidents reflecting hatred were reported. In Delhi’s Lajpat Nagar, Bajrang Dal members allegedly stopped Christian women carol singers on December 21, accusing them of religious conversion. A viral video from Odisha also showed a man shouting at vendors selling Santa hats, saying, “This is a Hindu Rashtra. We won’t tolerate Christians here.”

In Bengaluru’s Koramangala, a man identified as Satyanishta Arya, an ex-Muslim, was seen in a viral video making controversial remarks during a Christian prayer meeting. The clip sparked outrage online, and police later clarified that the man is not from Karnataka and said a non-cognisable report has been filed.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, according to PTI, said there has been an alarming rise in attacks on Christians during Christmas and wrote to Home Minister Amit Shah seeking strict action. Congress leaders Shashi Tharoor and Ashok Gehlot condemned the incidents, calling them worrying and fear-inducing for the community.