On Saturday, 17th October 2026 Navaratri celebrations in Wakefield (West Yorkshire) where violently targeted by a group of balaclava-wearing mobs. A Hindu community group (including children) had gathered in Ossett Town Hall for Bathukamma (traditional Telugu celebrations of Navaratri and Dushera). The incident started at 8:30pm, when an event volunteer outside the hall was asked as to how many people were in the hall and if children and youth were present. Subsequently another volunteer carrying boxes outside the hall was questioned about the contents of the box by thee people on electric bikes.
Between 9:15 and 10:15pm, a man leaving the event was verbally abused and the hit at the back of the head, with what was suspected to be a bottle, causing head injuries. Another man was also hit on the head and then punched causing him to fall and injure his face. Eyewitnesses report that a group of 10 people between the ages of 16-20 was shouting abuse and carried out the attack. Another group of 15-20 people then arrived and tried to enter the hall and abused security staff. Police arrived at the scene approximately 10:30pm.
West Yorkshire police are now investigating the incident. Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to contact West Yorkshire Police on 101 or go online via live chat on their website quoting log 13260592629. Police are yet to conclude investigstions and ascertain motives for the attack, event organisers however feel this was a attempt to intimidate the community.