New Delhi: In proximity to the recently revealed ancient Hindu temple that was inaugurated on Saturday in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, authorities announced on Monday the recovery of three idols. The Shiv-Hanuman Temple in Sambhal reopened on December 14, marking its first opening since 1978.
Sambhal’s Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shrish Chandra, while holding the three damaged idols, stated that they were unearthed during the excavation of a well.
One of the idols represents Lord Ganesh, while another appears to depict Lord Kartikeya, with further details being investigated. The well contained debris and soil, and the idols were discovered during the digging process. “The area has been secured to facilitate smooth excavation,” he added.
Devotees inscribed ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ on the temple’s walls. On Monday, worshippers also painted slogans such as ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ and ‘Har Har Mahadeva’ on the walls of the newly discovered temple in Sambhal, which has experienced heightened tensions since violence erupted on November 24 due to a court-ordered survey of a mosque.
Following the temple’s reopening, the premises underwent additional cleaning, and electricity connections were reinstated, along with the installation of CCTV cameras for enhanced security.
On Sunday, Sambhal’s Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishan Kumar and District Magistrate (DM) Rajender Pensiya visited the site to offer prayers at the newly uncovered temple.
In light of the ongoing tensions, the district administration initiated an anti-encroachment campaign aimed at removing unauthorized constructions from public areas.
Sambhal SDM Vandana Mishra indicated that the operation is focused on addressing encroachments in public spaces and has also been actively pursued in Chandauli for the past two months. “The anti-encroachment drive aims to clear public area encroachments. A similar initiative has been ongoing in Chandauli for the last two months. Additionally, a campaign against electricity theft is currently in progress in Sambhal,” she stated.
The initiative aimed at removing encroachments from public areas is currently in progress. A comparable operation has been ongoing in Chandauli for the past two months. Furthermore, a campaign targeting electricity theft is also being conducted in Sambhal, she stated.
On November 24, violence broke out during a court-mandated survey of a Mughal-era mosque in Sambhal, resulting in clashes between protesters and security forces. The unrest led to the deaths of four individuals, with numerous others sustaining injuries.
