A Hindu community celebration of Dussehra and Bathukamma in West Yorkshire, United Kingdom, was disrupted by groups of masked anti-Hindu elements, likely to be Islamists, who threatened organisers and assaulted the two devotees. The incident took place at Ossett Town Hall in the Wakefield district on the evening of Saturday, 17th October 2026. The two devotees were left bleeding after the assault, prompting a police response.
According to a report by Insight UK, Hindu families had gathered at the venue to celebrate the festivals, with children and women also present. According to a formal statement issued by the organisers, the event was proceeding as planned until groups of anti-Hindu elements began behaving in a threatening manner towards people outside the hall.
A Hindu community celebration of Dussehra and Bathukamma at Ossett Town Hall on the evening of Saturday 17 October 2026 was disrupted by groups of youths who intimidated organisers, allegedly assaulted two attendees and tried to gather at the entrance, according to a formal statement from the event’s organisers. Families from the Hindu community had gathered at the hall in Ossett, in the Wakefield district, to mark two of the autumn festivals, with children and young people among those inside. Organisers say the celebration was proceeding as planned until, during the evening, those stepping outside began to encounter groups behaving in a threatening and confrontational way. Two attendees were allegedly struck as they went to collect their car. Both are reported to have been left bleeding and on the ground. West Yorkshire Police attended the venue later that night and took statements, according to the organisers. @WakefieldPolice @WestYorksPolice
— INSIGHT UK (@INSIGHTUK2) October 19, 2026
West Yorkshire Police later arrived at the venue, spoke to the injured devotees and took statements, according to the organisers’ account.
Masked anti-Hindu elements question organisers about the event
The organisers’ statement describes several incidents that took place during the evening. At around 8:30 pm, an organiser who stepped outside the hall encountered several alleged Islamists wearing balaclavas. They asked what was happening inside, how many people were attending and whether children and young people were present.
Later, a volunteer carrying a box outside to collect plates was approached by three people riding electric bikes. They questioned him about the contents of the box and attempted to attack him before leaving the area.
The situation escalated when two devotees went to collect their car. They had been warned about the situation outside and advised not to leave with their families at that time.
According to the organisers, the devotees encountered a group of around 10 people, believed to be between 16 and 20 years old. One person shouted abuse and demanded to know what they were doing there before the group attacked them. One attendee was struck in the face and the other on the head. Both fell to the ground bleeding.
Police called as more youths gather outside the Hall
The first call was made to the police when another mob of approximately 15 to 20 people gathered outside the building. Some were riding bikes, while others tried to enter the venue, provoked security staff and made gestures towards people inside.
The organisers said stewards and volunteers remained calm while waiting for police officers to arrive. Several more people contacted the police over the following hour.
Two officers arrived one hour later and took statements from the injured devotees. Later, two community officers arrived and escorted devotees to their parked cars. The account of the events comes from the organisers’ formal statement. The details and circumstances of the incidents remain subject to police investigation.
Organisers seek investigation and preservation of CCTV footage
The organisers said they were concerned that the incidents may have been intended to intimidate members of the Hindu community or disrupt a lawful religious celebration. However, they have not reached a conclusion about the motive and have asked West Yorkshire Police to investigate whether the incidents involved a hate-related or discriminatory element.
They have also requested crime reference numbers, full statements from the injured devotees and other witnesses, and the preservation of CCTV footage from the town hall and surrounding streets.
The organisers have urged the local council and venue management to record the incident, retain relevant CCTV and access records, and review security arrangements for future events. They warned that footage could be overwritten under routine retention policies and asked that it be preserved promptly.
