Assam: Drug-addicted miscreants stripped off clothes from female idols in Barpeta

A wave of outrage has gripped Barpeta Road town in Assam’s Barpeta district following a series of vandalism incidents at multiple temples, where miscreants, reportedly driven by drug addiction, have desecrated sacred idols. The situation has escalated into widespread tension, leading to a shutdown of commercial activities in the town.

"This century-old temple faced a shocking act of vandalism. During the morning prayers, devotees discovered that the idols had been decapitated, with some completely destroyed. The security locks were broken, and the temple was ransacked. The Maa Kali idol was desecrated—her clothes stripped, and her hair callously thrown at the temple door, one local said."

Barpeta Road town, a relatively peaceful area in Assam’s Barpeta district, was shaken to its core following a series of violent acts targeting seven different temples across the town. Miscreants, reportedly under the influence of drugs, have been implicated in a stampede and the systematic vandalism of religious idols, sparking outrage and tension among the residents.

Among the most grievously affected was the ancient Kali Temple in Manaspur, a site revered by many in the community. The main idol of Kali, along with the idols of Jakhini Yakhini, Sheetala Devi, and Maa Mansa Devi, were all defaced. The miscreants not only broke the heads of the idols but also desecrated them further by tearing out and scattering the hair from the heads of the deities. Such acts of desecration are seen as a direct affront to the religious sentiments of the Hindu community in the area.

The wave of vandalism did not stop at the Manaspur temple. The Kali Temple of Deshbandhu Para's Culture Club and the Sheetala Temple of the Ramnagar Sevak Sangh Club also faced similar attacks. Additionally, the Temple of Mansa Devi near the Govinda Temple in Tarabari Basti and another Kali temple were targeted by the vandals. These coordinated attacks have led to a palpable sense of fear and anger among the local population.

The aftermath of these incidents has plunged the entire town into chaos. The desecration of the temples, which are considered to be the spiritual heart of the community, has provoked a strong reaction from the residents of Barpeta Road. In the wake of these events, hundreds of Hindus took to the streets in protest, demanding justice for the heinous acts committed against their places of worship. The tension in the town has reached such a level that businesses and shops across Barpeta Road have shut down in response to the unrest.

In a significant development, one of the individuals involved in the vandalism was caught red-handed by a group of vigilant locals while he was in the act of defacing a temple idol. The suspect, identified as Gokul Sutradhar from Goalpara, was apprehended by the mob and handed over to the police. Law enforcement authorities have since arrested Sutradhar and are conducting an in-depth investigation into the case to identify and apprehend any accomplices involved in the incidents.

The local police have ramped up their presence in the town, given the volatile situation. They are appealing to the public to remain calm while assuring them that all necessary measures are being taken to bring the perpetrators to justice. However, the community's patience is wearing thin, as the desecration of religious symbols is seen as an attack not just on the physical structures but on the very fabric of their cultural and religious identity.

In response to the growing unrest, the Manaspur Kali Temple Committee has issued an appeal for peace and harmony. The committee urged the residents to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and to allow the authorities to handle the investigation and legal proceedings. The call for calm comes at a crucial time, as the situation in the town remains tense, with emotions running high among the residents.

Despite the committee's appeal, the town of Barpeta Road is far from returning to normalcy. The sight of defaced idols, once the objects of daily worship and devotion, has left a deep scar on the collective psyche of the community. Many fear that the incident might lead to further unrest if swift action is not taken against those responsible.

Local leaders and representatives have also joined the chorus of voices calling for justice. They have demanded that the authorities take strict action against the culprits to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future. The community's leaders have emphasized the need for unity and solidarity during these difficult times, urging residents to stand together in the face of provocation and not to let the actions of a few disrupt the harmony that has long existed in Barpeta Road.

The vandalism of temples in Barpeta Road town has not only desecrated sacred spaces but also ignited widespread tension and outrage among the residents. As the police continue their investigation, the community remains on edge, grappling with the emotional and cultural impact of the attacks. While appeals for peace have been made, the situation in Barpeta Road underscores the deep-seated sensitivity surrounding religious sentiments in the region, highlighting the need for swift justice and community solidarity in the face of such provocations.