What Happened at Moti Mahal? A Bid to Hoist the Princely Flag

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Vandalism occurred at Moti Mahal as three men attempted to hoist a princely flag.
- Increased police presence in Bharatpur following the incident.
- One suspect identified as Manudev from Sinsini village.
- Community tensions are heightened, prompting a panchayat.
- Investigation ongoing to determine the motives and identities of all suspects.
Jaipur, Sep 22 (NationPress) The main entrance of Bharatpur’s historic Moti Mahal was damaged late Sunday night as three individuals in a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) forcefully entered the palace grounds, reportedly attempting to raise the princely flag, according to the former royal family on Monday.
The suspects, including Manudev from Sinsini village in Deeg district and two accomplices, abandoned their vehicle and escaped after being confronted by guards.
Additional Superintendent of Police Satish Kumar confirmed that Manudev was captured on video, while the identities of the other two suspects are still being determined.
A formal complaint was lodged by Aniruddh Singh, a member of the former royal family, against one named individual and two unidentified suspects.
In response to the incident, security measures have been increased throughout the city.
On Sunday, law enforcement from four districts, along with an STF company, RAC battalions, and over 200 personnel, were mobilized across Bharatpur amid rising tensions surrounding the flag issue, as unidentified individuals threatened to hoist the princely flag within the palace.
Blockades were established, and vehicles entering and exiting the city were thoroughly inspected. The vandalized gate of Moti Mahal was repaired the same evening, with police stationed at the site.
Aniruddh Singh, son of Vishvendra Singh, the former royal of Bharatpur, arrived at the Mathura Gate police station at 3 A.M. on Monday to file a complaint against Manudev.
On Monday morning, Aniruddh Singh stated, “The police investigation will uncover the individuals responsible for this incident. The location is in close proximity to Moti Mahal, and royal artifacts may have been jeopardized.” He also accused “anti-social elements” of being involved.
Simultaneously, a significant panchayat commenced in Sinsini village, Deeg — the hometown of Manudev — in relation to the ongoing controversy.
Manudev, a retired Army personnel and social activist, had also livestreamed the event on his social media account. The situation remains tense yet under control, with police maintaining stringent surveillance around Moti Mahal and sensitive areas of Bharatpur.