Temple desecration sparks communal tensions in Maharashtra’s Jalna despite arrest of Hindu accused
Jalna: A village in Maharashtra’s Jalna district has become a flashpoint of communal tension following the desecration of a 12th-century Mahadev temple on September 19. Police investigations, however, revealed that the accused was not from the Muslim community but a Hindu man, a fact that has done little to calm the unrest.
According to police, CCTV footage confirmed the involvement of 38-year-old Nandkishor Suresh Wadgaonkar, a resident of Anwa village in Bhokardan tehsil. Wadgaonkar, who lived near the temple, allegedly threw meat pieces inside the premises after being denied permission to build a house close to the shrine. Officers suspect personal grievances fueled his actions.
Despite his arrest, right-wing groups rejected the police findings and launched protests, alleging a cover-up. Agitations quickly escalated, with inflammatory speeches targeting Muslims and abusive slogans raised during a bandh. Fear spread through the community, forcing many Muslim families to flee. Students from minority-run BHMS and ITI colleges also vacated their hostels and returned home.
On Friday, thousands gathered at Chhatrapati Shivaji Chowk in Bhokardan under the banner of a “Hindu Jan Akrosh Morcha,” demanding a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Leaders such as Ratnagiri Maharaj, activist Sangram Bhandare, Ahilyanagar MLA Sangram Jagtap (NCP–Ajit Pawar faction), and Ambadas Ambhore addressed the rally, delivering speeches laced with communal rhetoric.
The incident has revived memories of past violence in the region. On March 23, 2023, Imam Zakir Sayyad Khaja of Anwa village was attacked in a mosque by unidentified assailants who forced him to chant “Jai Shri Ram.” When he refused, they slashed his beard with a blade.
In the wake of the current unrest, Muslim residents petitioned Additional Superintendent of Police Ayush Nopany, demanding legal action against right-wing activists who, they alleged, “abused Muslims and vitiated the atmosphere.” Former MP Imtiyaz Jaleel also condemned the hate-filled speeches, urging police not to bow to political pressure and to act firmly against those inciting communal discord.
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'Contract killing' plot busted in Thane; victim's brother among four held
Thane (PTI): The Thane police have uncovered a "contract killing" plot and arrested four persons, including the victim's younger brother, who allegedly hired the assailants and lodged the complaint to mislead investigators and hide his role in the murder, officials said on Sunday.
The victim, identified as Paresh Tolaram Patil (40), was hacked to death on May 12 over a property dispute, and his brother allegedly paid Rs 10 lakh to the contract killers, an official said.
The same day, Naresh Tolaram Patil (37), an auto-rickshaw driver residing in the Bhiwandi area of Maharashtra's Thane district, lodged a police complaint alleging that his elder brother Paresh had been murdered by unidentified persons.
According to Naresh, his brother was riding his motorcycle to work at Vasai in neighbouring Palghar district when the unidentified assailants intercepted him and assaulted him with sharp weapons, in-charge Superintendent of Police Anmol Mittal said.
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Following the complaint, the Ganeshpuri police registered a case of murder on May 13.
The investigation teams examined several CCTV recordings along the suspected escape routes and used advanced technical surveillance.
The police then traced the registration plate of a vehicle allegedly used by the assailants, leading to the arrest of three alleged contract killers -- Rakesh Bhagwan Patil (37), Premjit Madhukar Gharat (38), and Daksh Bhanukant Bhoir (24) -- from Palghar, the official said.
"During intense interrogation, the three persons confessed to their involvement in the killing. They revealed that the plot was masterminded by the victim's brother, Naresh Patil, who had lodged the initial police complaint to misguide the law enforcement agencies," he said.
According to the official, Naresh Patil confessed to hatching the conspiracy due to an ongoing property dispute with his elder brother and that he had offered Rs 10 lakh to the three accused to eliminate Paresh.
Naresh Patil has also been arrested, and a further probe is underway into the case, they added.
