Karnal: A dispute broke out in Karnal, Haryana, on Tuesday after members of the Bajrang Dal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and other Hindu organisations allegedly demolished a mazar (shrine) using hammers. The incident led to a scuffle and heated arguments after the shrine’s caretakers objected to the demolition.
Police reached the spot after receiving information about the incident and brought the situation under control. Following the demolition, members of the Hindu organisations sat at the site and recited the Hanuman Chalisa. Police personnel have been deployed in the area as a precautionary measure.
Hindu Groups Raise Allegations Over Shrine
Members of the Hindu organisations and some local residents alleged that suspicious activities and occult rituals were being carried out at the shrine. They also claimed that sounds resembling screaming, wailing and shrieking could allegedly be heard from the site at night.
These claims have not been independently established. The groups demanded an investigation into the activities allegedly taking place at the shrine and said their objection was to the alleged suspicious practices rather than any particular religion.
Local residents Rajiv, Sunil Kumar and Sonu claimed that around a year and a half ago, only two bricks had been placed on the vacant plot. According to them, the structure was gradually expanded, with tiles and steel grilles being installed. They further claimed that an electricity connection, air conditioner and CCTV cameras were later installed at the site.
Shrine Demolished During Hanuman Chalisa Recitation
A large number of people associated with Bajrang Dal, VHP and other Hindu organisations gathered at the location on Tuesday. They allegedly began demolishing the shrine while reciting the Hanuman Chalisa and raising religious slogans.
The situation became tense when the shrine’s caretakers objected to the action. A brief scuffle and heated exchange took place between the two groups before police intervened.
After police arrived, the protesters left the area. Police also found the house of the shrine’s caretaker locked at the time.
Police Deploy Force, Investigation Underway
Sub-Inspector Vinod Kumar of the Sector 32-33 police station said police had received information about the demolition of a mazar in Karn Vihar. According to the police, the situation had escalated at the spot but was brought under control after officers intervened.
Police personnel have been deployed in the area to prevent any further escalation. The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the demolition and the allegations raised by local residents and Hindu organisations.
Residents have also demanded a detailed investigation into the shrine’s construction, the activities allegedly carried out there and previous complaints they claim were submitted to police.
The incident has left tension in the area, with authorities maintaining a security presence as the investigation continues.