Mob Vandalises Christmas Decorations at Raipur Mall During Chhattisgarh Bandh

A mob of 30–40 unidentified people vandalised Christmas decorations at Magneto Mall in Raipur on Wednesday during a Chhattisgarh bandh called over alleged religious conversion-linked violence in Kanker, police said. An FIR has been registered, and efforts are underway to identify the accused using CCTV footage and vehicle details.

According to the complaint filed by mall management representatives, the incident occurred around 2 pm when preparations for Christmas celebrations were underway. While most markets across Raipur remained closed due to the bandh, Magneto Mall was open at the time.

Police said a group of masked individuals forcibly entered the mall premises and deliberately damaged Christmas decorations before fleeing the scene. Raipur Station House Officer Avinash Singh said police reached the spot shortly after receiving information, but the accused had already left.

“A complaint has been received from the Magneto Mall management. A case has been registered against 30 to 40 unidentified persons. CCTV footage and vehicle registration numbers have been obtained, and the accused will be identified soon. Further action, including arrests, will follow,” Singh said.

The FIR has been registered under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including sections related to vandalism, unlawful assembly, and forcible entry. Investigators are currently analysing CCTV visuals from the mall and nearby areas to trace the suspects.

Reacting to the incident, the Indian National Congress shared a video of the vandalism on social media and alleged the involvement of right-wing groups. The party accused the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government in Chhattisgarh of fostering an atmosphere of intolerance and claimed that similar incidents targeting minority communities had been reported from other states during Christmas celebrations.

Police, however, said the investigation is ongoing and urged against drawing conclusions until the accused are formally identified. Security has been increased in sensitive areas across Raipur to prevent further incidents during the festive period.