Shrine Vandalised in Dehradun as Vigilante Violence and Caste Attacks Fuel Alarm in Uttarakhand
Dehradun, Uttarakhan--A shrine associated with revered Sufi poet Baba Bulleh Shah was vandalised in Dehradun after alleged members of the Hindu Raksha Dal stormed the premises, damaged interiors, and raised religious slogans, according to local accounts and video clips circulating online.
The incident has sparked outrage among community leaders and civil society groups, who say the attack reflects a broader climate of intolerance and impunity. Police said they are reviewing footage and statements to identify those responsible, while security around religious sites has been tightened.
The vandalism comes amid renewed concern over vigilante violence in parts of northern India. In recent months, reports of cow-protection mobs assaulting and, in some cases, killing people accused of cattle-related offences have resurfaced, drawing condemnation from rights groups. Dalit organisations have also warned of a rise in targeted attacks and social boycotts, alleging weak enforcement and delayed justice.
Activists argue that the Dehradun shrine attack cannot be viewed in isolation. “This is part of a pattern where minorities and marginalised communities feel increasingly unsafe,” said a local rights advocate, calling for swift arrests and clear public assurances from the state.
State authorities said law and order would be maintained and urged restraint, stressing that no group would be allowed to take the law into its own hands. Investigations into the shrine vandalism are ongoing, and officials have promised action against those found guilty.
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