Hindu Temple Vandalized; Idols Smashed with Sharp Weapons [Ludhiana, Punjab]

(Reported as seen)

In a deeply disturbing incident, a Hindu temple located on the Delhi National Highway near the village of Sahnewal in Ludhiana, Punjab, was vandalized on the night of February 26th, as reported on February 28th. The act of desecration involved unknown miscreants breaking 14 idols with sharp weapons and uprooting the Shivalinga.

The temple priest, Pandit Bharat Kishore Pandey, discovered the vandalism on the morning of February 27th when he arrived to open the temple. The miscreants had broken locks to gain entry and used crowbars, iron rods, and hammers to smash the idols, severing the heads of several. Among the damaged deities were Maa Durga and Shani Dev.

The attackers remain unidentified due to the absence of CCTV cameras in the temple. However, the police are reviewing footage from cameras in nearby factories and buildings along the highway. A case has been registered under section 295 A, and the investigation is ongoing.

The incident has sparked outrage among the Hindu community, with leaders from Shiv Sena and other outfits expressing their displeasure at the perceived lack of prompt action by the police. Shiv Sena leader Bhanu Pratap emphasized the hurt caused to Hindu sentiments and warned of protests if the perpetrators are not apprehended soon. Hindu leader Amit Kaundal voiced concerns about frequent temple attacks in Punjab and criticized the inadequate response from the police administration.

Singer Roshan Prince shared a video expressing grief over the incident and called for strict action against those responsible. ACP Guraiqbal Singh, upon reaching the site, assured the public that the nearby CCTV footage was being examined, expressing sadness over the incident and pledging efforts to catch the accused while urging the community to maintain peace.

As the investigation progresses, the desecration of the Hindu temple in Ludhiana raises concerns about the security of religious institutions and highlights the need for swift justice to address the distress and anguish within the affected community.