Vikas Verma, a Bajrang Dal leader in Uttarakhand, has emerged as a prominent figure in the region’s Hindutva ecosystem, leveraging his position to stir communal tensions. Known for his strong anti-minority stance, Verma has been central to several controversial events in Dehradun, frequently invoking communal sentiments under the guise of protecting Hindu interests.

On January 7, 2025, during a weekly Hanuman Chalisa gathering, Verma made inflammatory statements targeting mosques and madrasas, accusing them of being “illegally built” and questioning whether there were leaders brave enough to use bulldozers to demolish them.

In December 2024, Verma used a Hanuman Chalisa gathering in Dehradun to make baseless accusations against Christians. He questioned Christmas celebrations, criticized families for letting children wear Santa hats, and accused convent schools of conversion activities. He also claimed that Hindus lacked rights in Christian-majority countries, further fueling distrust and communal tensions.

Earlier, on November 26, 2024, Verma delivered another inflammatory speech in Dehradun, falsely alleging that Muslim clerics in Mumbai were urging the community to vote for non-Hindu political parties and teaching cow slaughter. He also fear mongered about the growing Muslim population and supported discriminatory actions, such as the removal of non-Hindu shopkeepers, claiming they were spreading extremism.

Verma’s inflammatory speeches have also extended to the Muslim community at large. In October 2024, during another Hanuman Chalisa event, he falsely accused Maulanas in Mumbai of instructing Muslims to vote against Hindu candidates and claimed they were planning to take over properties belonging to Hindus. Such statements, designed to instill fear, have been a recurring strategy for Verma to solidify his influence within right-wing circles.

Verma’s role as a provocateur was further highlighted during a high-profile incident in September 2024. Following the discovery of a minor Muslim girl at Dehradun railway station with her Hindu boyfriend, Verma led a charged response, insisting that the girl, having sought refuge in what he referred to as “Devbhoomi,” should not be sent back to her parents despite their legal complaint. His actions contributed to a violent clash between Hindu and Muslim groups, culminating in stone-pelting and property damage at the railway station. While police initially booked Verma for his involvement in the unrest, he was later released under political pressure.

Earlier, in April 2024, Verma organized a religious gathering in Dehradun, where he directed hateful remarks at the Christian community. He stoked fear among attendees by falsely alleging that Indian Christians were undermining Hindu culture and questioned the celebration of Christmas, particularly criticizing families who allowed their children to wear Santa hats. 

As tensions escalated in Dehradun due to his actions, Verma remained a central figure.