Police in Bihar’s Nalanda district have detained three minors, aged between four and five years, in connection with the vandalism inside a Shiva temple.
Officials on Sunday informed that the incident took place on Saturday at a Shiva temple in Sherpur of Nalanda district. Locals said that a few children allegedly pelted stones and bricks within the temple premises and also attempted to damage the idol inside the temple.
The entire incident was captured on CCTV cameras installed on the temple premises. In the footage, police allegedly saw the children entering the temple premises, throwing stones, and also urinating inside the temple.
After the incident, locals maintained restraint and immediately informed the police about the matter, rather than allowing the situation to escalate. Considering the sensitivity of the matter, Nalanda Police soon started investigating the case. After examining the CCTV footage, they detained three children for questioning.
A local, named Suraj Kumar, told IANS that when he reached the temple on Saturday, he saw several bricks and stones scattered across the premises. “Later, when we checked the CCTV footage, we were shocked. Some children were seen throwing bricks and stones at the temple, urinating near the Shivalinga, and even using abusive language,” he said.
Aman Kumar, who performs puja at the temple, said, “The area is predominantly Muslim, and we only have one temple in the area. Miscreants often gather there. The children deliberately threw stones at the temple gate and urinated inside. Thefts have also occurred at the temple before. These incidents continue to hurt the sentiments of local Hindu devotees.”
The temple is located in Ward No. 41 of the Bihar Sharif Assembly constituency. The newly constructed temple was inaugurated by Bihar Sharif MLA Sunil Kumar on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri this year. It was constructed at a cost of Rs 14,90,000, and regular prayers have been conducted there every morning and evening since its inauguration.
Officials said that construction work at the temple is still not completely finished and that a boundary wall has not yet been constructed, which has made it easier for people to enter the temple premises. Police said they registered an FIR in connection with the incident based on a written complaint submitted by the applicant, Aarav Raj.
To ensure communal harmony and maintain law and order in the city, magistrates, police officials and additional police personnel have been deployed in and around the temple premises. Officials said the situation in the area is currently normal and under control, while police are keeping a close watch to prevent further escalation.
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