On Sunday, July 21st, the Uttar Pradesh Police arrested 4 individuals identified as Akram, Shahrukh, Arshad, and Azam after they attacked a Hindu temple in the Izatnagar area of UP’s Bareilly district. The accused have been charged with causing a disturbance and damaging idols at the Gopeshwar Nath temple.
As per the local reports, the primary accused identified in the case, Akram belongs to the state of Uttarakhand. The incident is said to have happened on Sunday when the accused persons reached the temple and damaged the idols of the Gods and Goddesses. They damaged the idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati ahead of the beginning of the Shravan month. Accused Akram also attacked the temple priest with a knife, as per reports.
The Hindu residents and activists learned about the incident and demanded strict punishment against the accused persons. They informed the police after which Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Rahul Bhati and CO Anita Chauhan reached the spot. On seeing the police, the accused persons attempted to flee from the spot however, the primary accused Akram was caught. The police also recovered foreign currency from the arrested Akram.
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— Bareilly Police (@bareillypolice) July 23, 2024
The police immediately began an investigation into the case after the Hindu organizations protested against the incident and demanded strict action against the accused. The other accused were then eventually arrested.
The police have charged four under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including section 298 (injuring or defiling a place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class).