A court in Ahmedabad has granted bail to five individuals accused of forcefully entering the Palladium Mall and vandalising its Christmas decorations last week. The incident, which occurred on December 27, sparked concerns ahead of the New Year celebrations.
The Incident and Arrest
According to the First Information Report (FIR) lodged at the Vastrapur police station, the group of five men, operating under the banner of a previously unknown entity called "Bhagwa Sena" or Saffron Army, forcibly entered the mall located near Thaltej on SG Highway. The complaint was filed by a security guard.
The FIR details that the accused argued with mall security, pushed past them, and proceeded to throw decorative Christmas trees onto the ground. The vandalism reportedly continued across the first, third, and fourth floors of the mall before security personnel managed to intervene and alert the police.
Legal Charges and Police Action
The Vastrapur police detained the accused from the spot and subsequently arrested them. They were booked under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:
- Section 333 (Trespass)
- Section 189(2) (Unlawful assembly)
- Section 191(2) (Rioting)
- Section 190 (Common intent of unlawful assembly)
- Section 324(2) (Mischief)
However, police officials confirmed that sections related to outraging religious sentiments or promoting enmity between groups were not added to the FIR. Inspector L.L. Chavda explained this decision, stating, "They did not say in public that they have a problem with a certain community or religion, which is why those sections were not added."
Bail Grant and Heightened Security
On Monday, December 30, a local court granted bail to all five accused. Inspector Chavda noted that the court saw fit to grant bail after the police presented the accused and took preventive steps.
Police officials revealed that they had never heard of the 'Bhagwa Sena' group before and that the accused primarily appear to have no prior criminal record. Despite the bail, with New Year's Eve approaching, the Vastrapur police have increased vigilance. They have provided enhanced bandobast (security arrangements) and patrolling at the two major malls under their jurisdiction—Palladium Mall and Ahmedabad One—to prevent any untoward incidents.
Videos purportedly of the vandalism had circulated widely on social media, drawing public attention to the case. The police investigation into the matter and the motives of the group continues.
