Assam: According to the chief minister, miscreants were apprehended for damaging a school over the Christmas holiday
Assam: On Friday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the criminals responsible for the vandalism at St. Mary’s English School in the Panigaon neighborhood of the Nalbari district had been taken into custody. He also reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to upholding peace, fostering communal harmony, and guaranteeing the security of all Assamese institutions and citizens.
“The criminals engaged in the damage at St. Mary’s English School, Panigaon, within the jurisdiction of Belsor Police Station, have been taken into custody. In a post on social media site X, the Chief Minister emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards any effort to disrupt communal peace by saying, “Assam Police acted promptly, and further action will be taken strictly as per law.”
The incident happened Thursday afternoon when a gang reportedly broke into the school’s grounds and damaged Christmas decorations.
The school’s principal, Fr. Baiju Sebastian, filed a formal complaint alleging that the miscreants broke into the campus illegally at 2:30 p.m. and destroyed plant pots, ornamental objects, serial lights, and other things. According to reports, several of the Christmas-related items were also set on fire, causing damage to school property.
The Belsor Police Station opened an inquiry after receiving the allegation and filed a case under many provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. According to authorities, Sub-Inspector Chanakya Das has been tasked with looking into the matter.
Four persons have been taken into custody by police in relation to the incident. Their names are Nayan Talukdar (37), district convenor of the Bajrang Dal; Manash Jyoti Patgiri (32), vice-president of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP); Biju Dutta (34), assistant secretary of the VHP; and Bhaskar Deka (34), district secretary of the VHP.
The Nalbari district is home to all of the defendants.
According to sources, the gang reportedly caused tension in the region by entering the school grounds, yelling slogans, and damaging Christmas decorations.
Serious concerns have been raised by the event, with many emphasizing how crucial it is to protect religious unity and make sure educational institutions are free from intimidation. The issue is under control, according to the police, and anybody found culpable will face severe legal consequences.