Desecration of Hindu Temples [Dhupguri, West Bengal]

(Reported as seen)

On Saturday, May 18th, three Hindu temples in Dhupguri, located in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, were desecrated by unidentified miscreants. This incident has ignited a wave of anger and protests among the local Hindu community, with significant political fallout and demands for justice.

The Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) brought the incident to public attention by sharing visuals of the vandalism on social media. Their tweet highlighted the desecration of Maa Durga Mandir and Graha Raja Shani Maharaj Mandir among the affected temples. The BJP attributed the attack to extremist elements and criticized the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) for fostering an environment that endangers the Hindu community through what they described as appeasement politics.

“This violent act is a direct consequence of TMC’s relentless appeasement politics, which perpetually endangers the Hindu community,” the BJP Bengal unit tweeted.

In response to the vandalism, local Hindus have taken to the streets in protest, blocking a highway and demanding swift and strict action against those responsible. The protests underscore the community’s frustration and fear in the wake of repeated incidents of religious intolerance and violence.

The BJP has been vocal in condemning the incident, accusing the TMC government of failing to protect Hindu places of worship and fostering a climate that emboldens such attacks. The BJP’s statement called for immediate and uncompromising justice, reflecting broader concerns about the safety and security of Hindu communities in the state.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) also issued a strong statement condemning the desecration. A spokesperson for the VHP expressed deep anger within the Hindu community and criticized the local government for its perceived indifference. The VHP reported that in addition to the two Durga temples, a Shiva temple and a Shani temple were also targeted. Despite written complaints from the temple committees, no arrests have been made, further fueling community outrage.

“It is reported that two Durga temples, one Shiva temple, and one Shani temple have been targeted by Jihadis. Despite written complaints by the temple committees, no attacker has been arrested yet,” the VHP spokesperson added.

The VHP has demanded the immediate arrest of the culprits and the strictest possible punishment, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice in preventing future incidents.

The desecration of the temples in Dhupguri has sparked significant political and social reactions, highlighting the tension between the BJP and the TMC over issues of religious security and minority appeasement. As protests continue, the Hindu community in West Bengal is united in its demand for justice and greater protection for their places of worship.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of communal harmony and the need for robust measures to safeguard religious freedoms and prevent such acts of desecration in the future.