Sambhal: In a notable event, a Shiv temple in the Khaggu Sarai area of Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, was reopened on Saturday after being closed for 46 years. The temple, which has deteriorated over the years and faced encroachment, has not been accessible since 1978.
The temple was “discovered” during an anti-encroachment and power theft operation conducted by the local administration and UP Police. Sambhal Circle Officer Anuj Kumar Chaudhary reported that they received information about encroachment in the area, leading to an inspection where the temple was found.
Vishnu Sharan Rastogi, a patron of the Nagar Hindu Sabha, confirmed the temple’s reopening after nearly five decades. He explained that his family once lived near the temple but moved away years ago, which hindered their ability to maintain it. As a result, the temple remained closed due to the absence of priests.
Sambhal SDM Vandana Mishra stated that the encroachments surrounding the temple had been cleared. She noted that the temple was discovered during a police initiative targeting local electricity theft.
The reopening of the temple is significant amid recent tensions in Sambhal, where violent clashes erupted on November 24 during a court-ordered ASI survey of the Jama Masjid, a Mughal-era mosque. The unrest involved locals and outsiders, leading to stone-pelting and arson, resulting in four deaths and several injuries.