Ten Arrested for Distributing Swords in Ghaziabad

New Delhi, December 31, 2025: A swift crackdown was initiated by the Uttar Pradesh police following a provocative display of weaponry in a residential area. On December 29, 2025, ten members of a right-wing outfit, the Hindu Raksha Dal (HRD), were observed being apprehended for allegedly distributing swords and other sharp weapons from their office in Shalimar Garden, Ghaziabad. The arrests were triggered by a viral video that showed activists handing out weapons to local residents and passersby, a move that reportedly sparked panic and communal tension in the sensitive neighborhood.

“Arming Families”: The Motive Behind the Act

The weapon distribution was reportedly led by the national president of the HRD, Pinky Chaudhary (also known as Bhupendra Chaudhary). In a defiant video released shortly after the incident, Chaudhary was heard claiming that over 250 weapons had been distributed to “strengthen” Hindu families. He cited the recent political instability and violence in Bangladesh as a justification for the campaign, asserting that residents needed to be “well-equipped” to defend themselves. However, this logic was dismissed by the authorities as a dangerous attempt to incite fear and disturb the social fabric of the city.

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Police Raid and Recovery of Weaponry

A massive police contingent, including over 50 personnel from the Shalimar Garden and Sahibabad stations, was observed raiding the outfit’s headquarters. During the operation, eight swords were recovered, and several activists were caught while attempting to flee on motorcycles. The arrested individuals, identified as Kapil Kumar, Shyam Prasad, Arun Jain, and seven others, were booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Charges include rioting with deadly weapons and actions prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony. Meanwhile, Pinky Chaudhary remains absconding, with special teams currently raiding his suspected hideouts.

Political Backlash and Security Concerns

The incident has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders, with Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav questioning the “enemies of the country’s unity” who are delivering violent weapons to people’s homes. It was remarked by political commentators that such organized patterns of weapon distribution are aimed at terrorizing minority communities in Western Uttar Pradesh. In response to these concerns, DCP Nimish Patil confirmed that a close watch is being kept on the law and order situation, particularly as Shalimar Garden is surrounded by several densely populated minority-dominated localities like Shaheed Nagar.

Enforcing Law in the New Year

As the city transitions into 2026, the Ghaziabad administration has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy against the unauthorized possession and distribution of weapons. The “sword-distribution” case is being viewed as a significant test of the state’s ability to curb fringe organizations that operate under the guise of self-defense. Citizens are being urged to report any similar suspicious activities to the police immediately. The legal proceedings against the ten arrested members are expected to be fast-tracked to serve as a deterrent against further attempts to communalize the atmosphere.