East Midnapore, West Bengal: Tension and outrage have gripped parts of East Midnapore district following a disturbing incident of vandalism reported from the Mahishadal area. Late on 4th January, Wednesday night, unidentified miscreants allegedly desecrated several under-construction Murtis of Maa Basanti and Devi Saraswati at Kanthal Potti, under the Garkamalpur Panchayat.
According to local sources, multiple idols were found partially or completely broken on Thursday morning. Specific parts of the idols appeared to have been deliberately targeted, pointing to a calculated act rather than accidental damage. The vandalism has deeply hurt the religious sentiments of local residents, who were preparing for upcoming worship and festivities.
Villagers expressed shock and anger over the incident, terming it a direct attack on faith and communal harmony. “These idols are sacred to us. Such an act is not just destruction of clay, but an assault on our beliefs,” said a local resident.
Upon receiving information, police reached the spot and initiated an investigation. Security in the area has been stepped up, and efforts are underway to identify those responsible. Authorities have assured strict action against the culprits and appealed to residents to maintain peace and restraint.
The incident has once again raised serious concerns over the safety of religious sites and symbols in the state. Community leaders have demanded swift arrests and exemplary punishment to prevent such acts from recurring and to uphold communal harmony in the region.
