In Indore, members of a Hindu group vandalised a Christmas celebration on 25 December, ignoring pleas from the distraught female organiser who cried, “We chant Jai Shri Ram loudly, but please don’t destroy this-it’s someone’s hard work and happiness.” Police detained five; FIR filed.
TL;DR – In Indore’s Vijay Nagar, Madhya Pradesh, around 20-30 members of a Hindu organisation stormed a private Christmas event on 25 December 2025, vandalising stalls and decorations despite emotional appeals from the female organiser.
She pleaded, “The girl kept saying, ‘We will say Jai Shri Ram loudly but please don’t do all this.'” Videos captured the chaos, showing men chanting slogans and smashing setups meant for family joy. Police arrived after 30 minutes, detaining five suspects; an FIR under IPC sections for rioting and mischief is in process.
Organisers decried the attack on interfaith harmony, while the group alleged “forced conversions.” No injuries reported, but the incident sparked social media outrage. As of 26 December afternoon, Indore Police confirmed investigations, with no senior official statements yet.
Chaos Erupts at Festive Gathering
The Christmas celebration unfolded peacefully in a community hall in Indore’s upscale Vijay Nagar area, drawing around 100 families for an evening of cake-cutting, carols, and stalls adorned with twinkling lights, Santa hats, and handmade decorations.
Organised by local residents including a woman named Priya Sharma (name changed for privacy), the event aimed to spread seasonal cheer amid Delhi’s biting winter chill-mirroring similar gatherings across India.
Around 8 PM, uninvited men from the Hindu Raksha Dal-a fringe outfit known for vigilantism-burst in, chanting “Jai Shri Ram” and “Go back” slogans. Eyewitnesses recounted how they overturned tables laden with pastries, ripped down banners reading “Merry Christmas,” and scattered gifts meant for children.
Priya Sharma, microphone in hand, broke down: “We loudly chant Jai Shri Ram, but don’t do all this. This is someone’s hard work, someone’s happiness.” A young girl nearby echoed, “We will say it loudly, but please stop,” her voice trembling in viral videos that amassed over 50,000 views by midday 26 December.
The vandalism lasted 20 minutes, leaving debris strewn across the hall and families in tears.
Indore Police Superintendent Amit Singh stated, “We received a distress call at 8:25 PM and deployed forces promptly. Five individuals have been detained for questioning; no conversions were occurring-this was a voluntary community event.”
Eyewitness Ravi Patel added, “They came with sticks and aggression; we just wanted a quiet festival.”
Patterns of Intolerance in Festive Seasons
This episode fits a disturbing trend in Madhya Pradesh, where religious tensions flare during minority festivals. Last December in Bhopal, a similar mob disrupted a church nativity play, citing “anti-Hindu activities.” In October 2025, protests marred Diwali-interfaith events in Gwalior over alleged proselytising.
Hindu Raksha Dal has claimed responsibility for over a dozen such interventions this year, often patrolling Christian and Muslim gatherings under the banner of protecting “sanatan dharma.”
Data from the National Crime Records Bureau (2024) shows a 15% rise in communal incidents in central India, many linked to festival disruptions. Local MP Shankar Lalwani urged restraint on X (formerly Twitter): “Indore is a city of unity-vandalism has no place. Let investigations proceed.”
Community leaders, including Father Thomas of St. Mary’s Church, emphasised, “Christmas is about peace for all; such acts wound our shared humanity.” Post-incident, organisers cancelled a planned midnight mass extension, fearing reprisals, while Hindu groups held a counter-rally demanding stricter anti-conversion laws.
Delayed Response Raises Questions
Police intervention came after frantic calls flooded the helpline, but the initial delay-attributed to crowd size and traffic-fueled criticism. By 8:55 PM, reinforcements cleared the site, but not before videos showed officers standing by as vandalism peaked.
Indore Collector Neena Sharma announced, “We are reviewing CCTV footage and will ensure strict action. Harmony drives our district-no tolerance for disruption.”
Social media erupted with #IndoreChristmasVandalism trending, blending support for organisers (hashtags like #CelebrateInPeace) and counter-narratives alleging missionary overreach. Fact-checkers debunked claims of “conversion camps,” confirming the event’s secular, neighbourly vibe.
Nationally, activists like Brinda Karat condemned it as “majoritarian bullying,” while BJP spokesperson termed it “isolated” pending probe.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian unequivocally condemns this brazen vandalism, which tramples empathy, kindness, and India’s cherished ethos of coexistence under the guise of vigilance.
Destroying a family’s festive joy-born of innocent hard work-doesn’t safeguard faith; it fractures society, breeding fear where dialogue should flourish.
True devotion thrives in harmony, not hate: let communities chant together, celebrate diversely, and resolve grievances through conversation, not chaos. We urge authorities for swift justice and citizens to champion peace.
