A member of the Bharatiya Janata Party–Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (BJP–RSS) has been arrested for allegedly attacking a Christmas carol group composed of children in Puthussery, Palakkad, located just a kilometer from Walayar, the site of a previous lynching of a Dalit migrant worker from Chhattisgarh.
The accused, identified as Ashwin Raj, a resident of Kaladithara in Puthussery, was apprehended by the Kasaba Police and is expected to be presented in court shortly.
The incident occurred late on Monday night in Surabhi Nagar, where Ashwin Raj and two other individuals allegedly confronted a carol group of approximately ten people, vocally opposing the performance. The confrontation reportedly escalated from a dispute regarding the inscription “CPI(M)” on a drum used by the group, leading to the damage of their musical instruments.
Following the incident, the carol group filed a complaint with the Kasaba police, asserting that the assault was perpetrated by BJP–RSS activists. Officers from the police department visited the scene on the night of the occurrence. The carol group members, mostly children aged 10 to 15, claimed they managed to escape as the assailants, armed with sticks, attempted to halt their performance.
Kasaba Inspector M. Sujith confirmed that a case has been registered and that an investigation is ongoing.
Leaders from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in the Puthussery area stated that the Christmas carol band was arranged at the children’s request, following an annual tradition. They accused BJP–RSS activists of trying to disrupt communal harmony and disturb the peaceful atmosphere of the region.
Last year, similar tensions arose when two leaders of the Vishva Hindu Parishad and a Bajrang Dal activist were charged with disrupting Christmas celebrations at a government school in Palakkad. Those individuals allegedly verbally abused school officials and questioned the exclusive celebration of Christmas, suggesting that Sri Krishna Jayanthi should also be recognized.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding communal celebrations in the region.
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