The theft of the Hanuman Temple in Chhattisgarh’s Lakhanpur was caught on CCTV cameras. The theft caused uproar, with Hindu devotees demanding strict action against the accused. The accused were identified as Mohammed Faisal and Soni Khan who even attempted to desecrate Bhagwan Hanuman’s murti.

Lakhanpur District’s Nagar Panchayat houses the famous Hanuman and Shiv temples. The two Muslim youths robbed the temple on Thursday. Hindus demanded that the accused be brought to Lakhanpur Police Station. They protested on the Ambikapur-Bilaspur Highway leading to a traffic jam for two hours. Police and administration officials pacified the gathered people. All shops and commercial establishments were closed the whole day (Thursday) and Hindus submitted a petition with nine main demands to the administration asking them to ensure its fulfilment at the earliest.

Faisal and Khan robbed the silver crown and kada from the temple which was caught on the CCTV camera. The duo were nabbed by the Police but not brought to the Lakhanpur Police Station which angered the people. Hindus gheroed the Police Station at 8 on Thursday (2 May) morning before proceeding to block the highway. Among several demands they also asked for bulldozer action against the accused. Additional Police forces were stationed at Lakhanpur.

Additional Police Commissioner Amolak Singh Dhillon and SDM BR Khande assured Hindus of justice. Sections relating to hurting religious sentiments would be included along with theft the officials said. Further investigations are underway.

(Featured Image Source: Nai Dunia)