Six Hindu Raksha Dal Members Held for Allegedly Distributing Swords in Ghaziabad Colony, Police Launch Manhunt for Others

Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, Dec 30 Police in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad district have arrested six activists linked to the Hindu Raksha Dal for allegedly distributing swords in a residential colony, an incident that has raised serious concerns over public safety and communal harmony. The arrests were made following an investigation into a procession held in the Shalimar Garden area, where weapons were reportedly handed out to residents. According to police officials, the six arrested individuals are among 17 office bearers of the Hindu Raksha Dal who have been named in the case. The group’s president, Bhupendra Chowdhry, also known as ‘Pinki’, is among the accused but remains absconding. In addition to the named office bearers, more than two dozen unidentified members of the organisation have also been booked. The incident came to light after videos and local inputs suggested that members of the group took out a procession in the colony and went door-to-door distributing swords. Police said the accused were allegedly raising pro-Hindu and anti-Muslim slogans while carrying out the activity, which caused tension in the area and alarmed residents. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Trans Hindon) Nimish Patil said a case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. These include charges related to rioting, rioting while armed with deadly weapons, and wrongful confinement. He said police teams are actively raiding possible hideouts to arrest those still on the run. “The police will not allow any organisation or group to disturb law and order or communal harmony. All named and unnamed accused will be arrested soon. Most of them are currently absconding,” Patil said on Monday, adding that strict action will be taken against anyone found violating the law. Police sources said the procession and weapon distribution took place in Shalimar Garden, an area that lies close to Muslim-majority localities such as Shaheed Nagar and Pasonda village. Given the sensitive nature of the location, police have increased patrolling and are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any escalation. Meanwhile, Bhupendra Chowdhry released a video message that has since circulated widely on social media. In the video, he claimed that hundreds of weapons had been distributed and made provocative remarks, alleging threats to Hindu families. Police have taken note of the video and said it will be examined as part of the investigation. Officials stressed that such statements and actions are unacceptable and pose a serious threat to peace. They also clarified that no one is permitted to distribute weapons or take the law into their own hands under any circumstances. Residents of the area reported feeling uneasy after learning about the incident. Some said the visible presence of weapons and aggressive slogans created fear, especially among families and elderly people living in the colony. Several residents welcomed the police action and urged authorities to ensure such incidents do not recur. The arrests come amid heightened sensitivity around issues of communal harmony in parts of Uttar Pradesh. Senior police officers said maintaining peace is their top priority and warned that strict legal action would be taken against individuals or groups attempting to incite violence or hatred. As the investigation continues, police are urging the public to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement. Authorities have assured residents that the situation is under control and that every effort is being made to ensure safety and order in the area. Six Hindu Raksha Dal Members Held for Allegedly Distributing Swords in Ghaziabad Colony, Police Launch Manhunt for Others Six activists linked to the Hindu Raksha Dal have been arrested in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad after they were allegedly involved in distributing swords in a residential area of Shalimar Garden. The incident, which has raised serious concerns about public safety and communal harmony, came to light after police received information about a procession taken out in the colony. According to police officials, the arrested men are among 17 office bearers of the Hindu Raksha Dal who have been named in the case. The group’s president, Bhupendra Chowdhry, also known as Pinki, is among the accused but is currently absconding. In addition, more than two dozen unidentified activists of the group have also been booked. Police said the accused went door-to-door in the colony, allegedly distributing over two dozen swords while raising pro-Hindu and anti-Muslim slogans. Videos and local inputs helped authorities identify those involved. The act caused fear among residents and led to heightened tension in the area. A case has been registered under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to rioting, rioting while armed with deadly weapons, and wrongful confinement. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Trans Hindon) Nimish Patil said police teams are conducting raids at multiple locations to arrest the remaining accused. Meanwhile, Bhupendra Chowdhry released a video message claiming that hundreds of weapons had been distributed and made provocative remarks. Police have taken note of the video and said it will be examined as part of the investigation. The Shalimar Garden area is close to Muslim-dominated localities such as Shaheed Nagar and Pasonda village, prompting police to increase patrolling and closely monitor the law and order situation. Authorities have made it clear that no group will be allowed to disturb peace or take the law into its own hands. Police have appealed to residents to remain calm and assured that strict action will be taken against all those involved.