Archive · 26 Dec 2025
VHP-Bajrang Dal Threatens Pune Petrol Pump Over Christmas Hats
A petrol pump owner in Pune, India, was threatened by members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal because her employees were wearing Christmas hats.
The owner, Kavya Ladkat, said the men told her that only Hindu customs should be followed and that the hats should be removed.
She recorded a video of the incident and filed a complaint with the police.
The police registered a non-cognizable offense against one of the men, Vijay Kamble, who denied threatening the owner.
The petrol pump owner's association said that celebrating festivals is a regular practice and that the decorations are done according to the festival.
The incident is part of a larger trend of attacks on Christmas decorations and celebrations across cities.
Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda condemned the alleged attacks on churches and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for attending a Christmas service in Delhi.
Additionally, a protest was held in Mumbai against Christmas-related attacks by right-wing outfits, organized by Samvidhan Jaagar Yatra Samiti (SJYS) and Bombay Catholic Sabha (BCS).
VHP and Bajrang Dal members threatened a petrol pump owner in Pune over employees wearing Christmas hats.
The owner, Kavya Ladkat, filed a complaint with the police, who registered a non-cognizable offense.
The accused, Vijay Kamble, denied threatening the owner and claimed they were addressing a complaint from employees.
The petrol pump owner's association stated that celebrating festivals is a regular practice.
Protests were held in Mumbai against Christmas-related attacks by right-wing outfits, with former PM H D Deve Gowda condemning such incidents and praising PM Modi for attending a Christmas service.
- Who
- Kavya Ladkat (petrol pump owner) and Vijay Kamble (VHP member)
- What
- Threats made over employees wearing Christmas hats
- When
- December 23
- Where
- Pune, India
- Why
- Opposition to Christmas celebrations and perceived religious conversion
VHP-Bajrang Dal
Petrol Pump Owner and Association
Religious Symbols at Workplace
VHP-Bajrang Dal
Opposed to Christmas hats, claiming they promote religious conversion and violate Hindu customs.
Petrol Pump Owner and Association
Defended the practice, stating that celebrating festivals is a regular and inclusive activity.
- Location
- Pune, India
- Date
- December 23
- Complainant
- Kavya Ladkat
- Accused
- Vijay Kamble
- Section
- 315(2) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita
- Protest Location
- Goregaon, Mumbai
- Protest Organizers
- Samvidhan Jaagar Yatra Samiti (SJYS) and Bombay Catholic Sabha (BCS)
