FIR registered against over 30 for vandalising Christmas decorations at Raipur mall
Raipur: Police in Raipur have registered a first information report (FIR) against more than 30 unidentified persons in connection with the vandalism of Christmas decorations at Magneto Mall in the state capital of Chhattisgarh.
According to police officials, the incident occurred after a group objected to the Christmas decorations installed inside the shopping mall. The group allegedly entered the premises, damaged the decorations and created panic among shoppers. Following a complaint from the mall management, Telibandha police registered a case on charges related to vandalism and disturbance of public peace.
A senior police officer said CCTV footage from the mall and other available evidence are being examined to identify those involved. “We are identifying the accused with the help of CCTV footage and other evidence. Strict action will be taken against anyone found disturbing law and order or damaging public property,” the officer said.
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The incident took place against the backdrop of a state-wide bandh called by Hindutva-affiliated organisations in Chhattisgarh, protesting alleged religious conversions and recent incidents of violence in Kanker district. The bandh had a visible impact across several districts, with reports of shops being forced to close in parts of Raipur.
In the state capital, groups carrying sticks were seen moving through market areas and pressuring shopkeepers to shut down their establishments. Similar incidents were reported from Korba district, where bandh supporters gathered at major junctions and closed shops in areas such as Niharika Ghantaghar, Subhash Chowk, Kosabari and TP Nagar.
'What is your caste?': Mobs with rods, hockey sticks vandalise #Raipur mall, damage #Christmas decorations; losses worth lakhs
— The Times Of India (@timesofindia) December 25, 2025
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Attacks on Christians contradict PM's message of harmony, visit to church: Gehlot
Jaipur (PTI): Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday expressed concern over the reported attacks and disruptions in prayer gatherings of the Christian community in different parts of the country, saying such incidents were "worrying and condemnable".
In a post on X, Gehlot said that while the Prime Minister Narendra Modi was visiting a church and giving a message of peace and harmony, news of attacks on members of the Christian community from various regions reflected a serious contradiction.
ALSO READ: FIR registered against over 30 for vandalising Christmas decorations at Raipur mall
"Symbolic gestures would not be enough, and strict legal action was required against those spreading hatred," the senior Congress leader said.
He added that Indian culture has always upheld the spirit of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam", where every citizen has full freedom to practise their faith.
Gehlot urged the Centre and state governments to uphold the rule of law and ensure that no citizen is forced to celebrate their festival under fear.
