TV
Tensions have surged in Barbil civic limits of Keonjhar district following the alleged desecration and vandalisation of a Hanuman idol by some unidentified miscreants. The incident, which occurred in Ward No-9 near New Market, has left local residents deeply upset.
Allegedly, the incident has deeply hurt their sentiments, some locals said on Monday.
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In addition to the damage inflicted upon the idol, silver ornaments were also reportedly stolen from the site. The outraged community responded by staging a road blockade, demanding swift action and the apprehension of those responsible for the act.
Keonjhar Superintendent of Police (SP) Kusalkar Nitin Dagudu engaged in dialogue with the agitating residents, thereby pacifying the situation and restoring traffic movement.
Police authorities have assured the community that a new idol will be installed promptly and have pledged to enhance both CCTV surveillance and police patrols to prevent future occurrences. A probe has been launched to identify and apprehend the culprits.
“Some miscreant(s) have broken the idol and taken it. We had been worshipping the deity for the last several decades. We woke up in the morning to see that the idol was not there,” a female resident of Ward No-9 Rajani Giri rued.
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“No one will be able to escape the eyes of police and the wrongdoer, whoever he is, will certainly be arrested soon,” Keonjhar MP Ananta Nayak said.
When contacted, the SP stated, “I will pay the cost of making a new idol from my salary and the deity will be reinstalled at the same place. The new idol will be brought with pomp and grandeur and will be reinstalled.”
