HP: Police detain woman for vandalising Shivling at temple amid speculation of Muslim involvement
Kangra: Police have detained Nisha Devi, a 35-year-old woman, for allegedly vandalising a Shivling at a temple in Nagrota in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, sparked unrest and protests, with numerous Hindutva organisations gathering at Gandhi Maidan and alleging that the Shivling was desecrated by individuals from another community. Right-wing groups reportedly expressed demands to vacate shops rented by Muslim vendors in the market, fueled by assumptions on social media that the vandalism was perpetrated by Muslims.
Protesters chanted anti-Muslim slogans, including “Na mullon ka na khazi ka, Ye desh hai veer shivaji ka,” as shown in a video shared by fact-checker Mohammed Zubair on X.
The police immediately registered an FIR after they were informed about the incident. During the investigation, police reviewed CCTV footage from near the temple and identified a woman entering and exiting the premises around 3:00 a.m. They stated that the accused, Nisha Devi, was the individual seen in the footage. Authorities also noted that she had been involved in similar vandalism incidents in the past and stated that she is mentally differently abled.
Zubair highlighted that a similar anti-Muslim protest by right-wing organisations occurred on September 20, 2024. “This Shivling vandalism incident was an excuse for these goons to continue their anti-Muslim protest,” he wrote on X.
A Shivling was vandalised in Nagrota, Himachal Pradesh on 27th Sep. Soon after the incident, According to reports, RW orgs were adamant on getting the shops rented by Muslims vacated in the market as Hindutva orgs and RW on social media assumed that vandalism was done by Muslims. pic.twitter.com/DAP7xgtKvs
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) September 29, 2024
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CEC orders immediate arrest of those involved in post-poll violence in Bengal: Official
Kolkata (PTI): Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar directed the authorities concerned to immediately arrest those involved in post-poll violence and vandalism in West Bengal, an official said on Wednesday.
The Election Commission's directive came after two persons were killed in alleged incidents of post-poll violence in the state on Tuesday, besides scores of party offices being ransacked.
The CEC issued instructions to the West Bengal chief secretary, director general of police, Kolkata police commissioner and directors general of central armed police forces, along with all district magistrates, superintendents of police and other officials, to maintain continuous patrolling in sensitive areas, he said.
"Those responsible for inciting violence and carrying out acts of vandalism must be arrested immediately," the official said, quoting the CEC's instruction.
The chief election commissioner also stressed the need for swift and firm enforcement of the law, he added.
This directive came amid concerns over law and order in parts of the state, with the Election Commission closely monitoring the situation, he added.
"We have been asked to remain on high alert and ensure that any attempt to disturb peace is dealt with firmly," a senior police officer said.
The state authorities have intensified vigil across districts, with coordinated efforts between the police and central forces to prevent any untoward incident, he added.
The assembly elections were held in West Bengal in two phases - April 23 and 29. The counting of votes took place on May 4.
The BJP sealed a landslide victory with 207 seats in the 294-member assembly, ending the TMC's uninterrupted 15-year rule in the state.
