Ghaziabad Police Arrest Six After Swords Distributed During Religious Procession
Hindu group activists arrested for arming residents.
Authorities in Ghaziabad arrested six members of the Hindu Raksha Dal on Monday following reports of the group distributing more than two dozen swords during a procession in the Shalimar Garden colony. The detainees are part of a larger group of 17 named office bearers, including the organization's president, Bhupendra Chowdhry, also known as 'Pinki', who remains at large and is actively being pursued by law enforcement teams.
The incident involved activists marching through residential areas, raising pro-Hindu and anti-Muslim slogans while going door-to-door to hand out weapons. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Trans Hindon) Nimish Patil confirmed that over two dozen unidentified participants have also been booked in connection with the event, which has raised concerns over potential disturbances to communal harmony.
A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including provisions for rioting, rioting while armed with deadly weapons, and wrongful confinement. Police raids are ongoing at suspected hideouts of the involved members, with officials emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach toward any attempts to disrupt law and order in the region.
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In response, Bhupendra Chowdhry released a video statement claiming that approximately 250 weapons had been distributed to enable self-defense against perceived threats from Muslims, whom he accused of attacking Hindu families and targeting women. He referenced the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh, vowing to prevent similar conditions in India and urging the community to arm itself.
The area, surrounded by Muslim-dominated localities such as Shaheed Nagar and Pasonda village, is under close police surveillance to maintain peace. DCP Patil reiterated that no organization would be permitted to undermine communal harmony, assuring that all accused, both named and unnamed, would face swift arrest.
