A violent mob armed with sticks and rods stormed a popular shopping mall in Raipur on Wednesday, specifically targeting and destroying elaborate Christmas decorations, including a Christmas tree and a Santa Claus figure, during a state-wide shutdown. The incident has sparked major law and order concerns and caused significant financial damage.
Chaos and Intimidation Inside the Mall
According to the management of Magneto Mall, the attack was carried out by a group of 40-50 aggressive individuals who entered the premises despite it being officially closed in support of the 'bandh'. Eyewitnesses and officials stated that the mob ran amok holding rods and hockey sticks, vandalizing property and fixtures at will.
More alarmingly, they allegedly confronted staff and others present inside, asking them pointed questions about their religious identity and caste. "Are you Hindu or Christian? What is your caste?" were among the questions hurled, with the assailants even checking ID cards and badges of employees, officials confirmed.
Police Action and Widespread Condemnation
The Capital police have taken serious note of the incident. An FIR was registered on Thursday based on a complaint by the mall management against 25-30 'right-wing activists'. The charges include voluntarily causing hurt, unlawful assembly, rioting, and mischief under relevant sections of the BNS.
Raipur SSP Lal Umed Singh told media that the police have identified a few people involved and strict action will follow. He confirmed that the festive decorations, both inside and outside the mall, were left in absolute tatters. The police are relying on clear CCTV footage from the mall which captured the group entering with sticks and creating a ruckus.
The viral video of the vandalism prompted political reactions, with Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra sharing it and questioning the motives of certain organizations, calling for a ban.
Financial Loss and Ripple Effects
The mall management has estimated the losses from the wanton destruction to be between ₹15 lakh and ₹20 lakh. Christmas decorations, display items, and fixtures were smashed to bits. Images from inside showed the festive installations torn down and scattered.
The incident had an immediate chilling effect across the city. As a precautionary measure, authorities evacuated the nearby Ambuja Mall on Vidhan Sabha road. Police cleared visitors and turned back those arriving in the evening, amplifying an atmosphere of fear.
The shutdown, which saw support from some trade bodies and was linked to the recent Amabeda violence in Kanker district over a burial row and alleged conversions, was marred by such fringe actions. Reports indicated that these elements were active in towns and cities, even forcing vegetable vendors to shut down.
An eyewitness captured the prevailing sentiment, stating, "We were scared we might get beaten... More than anything else, it created an atmosphere of fear. Can't we celebrate the winter festival now?" The question underscores the broader tension the incident has revealed in the state.
