Police in Raipur have registered an FIR against more than 30 people after Christmas decorations were vandalised at Magneto Mall, located under the Telibandha police station area in Chhattisgarh’s capital. The incident took place after a group linked to a Hindu organisation objected to the festive decorations put up inside the mall for Christmas.
According to the police, the mall management informed them about the vandalism soon after the incident. The group allegedly entered the mall and damaged the decorations, creating panic and disturbing public order. Following a preliminary inquiry, the Telibandha police registered a case against over 30 unidentified persons on charges of vandalism and disturbing peace.
A police official said that 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 official said.
The incident took place on a day when the impact of a state-wide bandh was visible across Chhattisgarh. Hindu organisations had called the bandh to protest alleged religious conversions and recent violence in Kanker district. As a result, shops remained closed in several areas across the state.
In Raipur, groups carrying sticks were seen moving through markets and asking shopkeepers to shut their establishments. Similar scenes were reported from Korba, where bandh supporters gathered at major intersections and closed shops in areas such as Niharika Ghantaghar, Subhash Chowk, Kosabari and TP Nagar. Police said the situation was monitored closely to prevent further disturbances and maintain peace.
