An attempt at sabotage at a historic Kali temple in Punjab’s Patiala on Monday raised alarm bells ahead of the state assembly elections. Police said the incident happened in the afternoon and the accused, identified as Rajdeep Singh, has been arrested. Police said an FIR has been registered under sections 295-A and 354 of the Indian Penal Code.
Police said that additional police force has been deployed in and around the temple to ensure that law and order is not affected by the incident.
The CCTV footage of the incident, which has gone viral, shows a masked man measuring the enclosure where the idol of Goddess Kali is kept and trying to deface it. The man was immediately pushed away from the idol by the priest.
Reacting to the incident, Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi said that an inquiry has been ordered. Appealing to the people to maintain peace and communal harmony, he said, “Evil elements are trying to create havoc by disturbing the hard earned peace and harmony ahead of the assembly elections in Punjab.” The CM also asked Punjabis to remain united for the safety of all religious centers across the state.
Meanwhile, the BJP condemned the incident and demanded a high-level inquiry into the matter.
SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal also condemned the sacrilege attempt. Badal wrote on Twitter, “Strongly condemn the sacrilege at the Kali Mata Temple in Patiala. We feared and warned against conspiracy by forces outside Punjab to spread communal hatred in the temples of Hindus and Sikhs. Most Bad fear is coming true. Let us all stand united against them to maintain peace and communal harmony.”
Strongly condemn the sacrilege in Kali Mata Mandir Patiala. We were warned and warned against conspiracy by forces outside Punjab to spread communal hatred in the temples of Hindus and Sikhs. The worst fear is coming true. Let us all stand united against them to maintain peace and communal harmony. pic.twitter.com/MgONVQ37jm— Sukhbir Singh Badal (@officeofssbadal) 24 January 2022
Tagging Chief Minister Channi, Badal further said that “this is just one more of the countless acts of sacrilege in Punjab under Congress rule”. “Complicity in these heinous acts or utter failure to maintain law and order and maintain harmony? Come clean @CHRANJITCHANI,” he said.
Patiala SP City Harpal Singh said that the incident is being confirmed and action will be taken against the accused.
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