The vandalism of Christmas-themed decorations at a prominent mall in Raipur on December 24 has triggered a sharp law-and-order and political debate in Chhattisgarh, with police arresting seven accused amid heightened communal sensitivity in the state.
Chhattisgarh Home Minister Vijay Sharma said action against those involved is ongoing and warned that any attempt to disturb public order would be dealt with firmly.
According to the police, a group of more than two dozen youths entered the mall on Christmas Eve and targeted decorations put up to mark the festival, damaging property and creating panic among visitors.
Telibandha police arrested seven accused on the third day after the incident; they have been sent to jail or a juvenile home, depending on their age.
Raipur Deputy Inspector General and Senior Superintendent of Police Lal Umed Singh said the accused have been booked under non-bailable provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for offences including unlawful entry, verbal abuse, and vandalism.
“Preliminary investigation suggests there was no external instigation or directive. The accused acted collectively,” he said, adding that CCTV footage from the mall had captured the entire episode. The mall is located less than a kilometre from the nearest police station and along the Raipur–Kolkata national highway.
Viral videos from the incident showed more than 20 youths, some carrying sticks, prompting fear among shoppers, particularly women, while security staff were outnumbered and unable to intervene effectively. Witnesses were seen seeking help on their mobile phones as the vandalism unfolded.
The incident drew a strong reaction from Leader of the Opposition Charandas Mahant, who said Chhattisgarh has a long tradition of celebrating festivals together and demanded swift arrests and exemplary punishment to deter similar acts. While arrests did not take place within 24 hours, police action on the third day was cited by the Opposition as a step in the right direction, with more arrests expected.
The Congress also linked the Raipur mall incident to violence earlier this month in Amabeda village of Kanker district. State Congress president Deepak Baij alleged that recent incidents reflected governance failures and growing political polarisation, claiming that law and order had broken down for several days in Kanker.
He also questioned why a proposed law against religious conversion, repeatedly described as ready, was not introduced during the winter session of the Assembly.
On the administrative front, Kanker Superintendent of Police Nikhil Rakhecha said two FIRs have been registered in connection with the Amabeda violence and that a memorandum submitted by local representatives is under examination.
“All allegations will be investigated and legal action will be taken after due verification,” he said.
BJP spokesperson Devlal Thakur said the bandh linked to the protests was called by “Sarva Samaj” organisations and argued that tribal communities were asserting their constitutionally guaranteed rights.
Police said investigations are continuing to determine whether the mall vandalism was an isolated incident or part of a wider pattern linked to recent unrest.
Authorities stressed that maintaining public order and protecting citizens’ right to celebrate festivals peacefully would remain a top priority as the state navigates a sensitive period.