Key Highlights
- Sumi RajappanRaipur,UPDATED: Jan 4, 2026 13:53 ISTEdited By: Sahil SinhaSix members of the Bajrang Dal, arrested in connection with the vandalism of Christmas decorations at a Raipur mall last month, were given a celebratory reception after a sessions court granted them bail on January 1, triggering fresh debate over law and order in Chhattisgarh. The six were among those detained following the December 24 incident at Magneto Mall, where a mob damaged Christmas-themed installations, including Santa Claus figures, during a state-wide shutdown called by several organisations protesting alleged religious conversions.
- CCTV footage and videos that later went viral showed a group forcefully entering the mall and vandalising the decorations, prompting police action. advertisementAfter spending five days in judicial custody, the accused were released on bail.
- Soon after they walked out of the jail, Bajrang Dal members welcomed them with garlands, sweets, firecrackers and chants of "Raghu Pati Raghav Raja Ram".
- Later, a procession was also taken out by the outfit members, who carried the six accused on their shoulders.
- Defending the celebration, Bajrang Dal leader Ravi Vadhwani said there was nothing inappropriate about the welcome.
