Individual Detained for Defacing Veer Tejaji Idol in Jaipur

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Vandalism of Veer Tejaji Idol
- Suspect's Financial Struggles
- Protests Erupt in the Community
- Multiple Arrests Made
- Authorities Assure Strict Action
Jaipur, March 29 (NationPress) The police have taken an individual into custody for defacing the idol of the folk deity Veer Tejaji Maharaj at a temple situated in Pratap Nagar Sector-3 within the jurisdiction of the Sanganer police station in Jaipur.
The incident, which took place on Friday night, was reportedly perpetrated by anti-social elements.
Authorities apprehended Siddharth Singh (34), who resides at Bichwal Bikaner Hall, Street No. 3, Rajapark.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Singh, who previously operated a restaurant, has been facing financial hardships since its closure. This distress is believed to have driven him to engage in the act of vandalism.
DCP (East) Tejaswani Gautam mentioned that three distinct cases have been filed at the Sanganer police station related to the incident. These include a vandalism case lodged by the temple priest Manoj concerning the damage to the idols; a case for damage to government property and arson filed by the police; and a report of vandalism and attempted arson at a petrol pump submitted by the pump manager Ramesh.
According to Additional DCP Asharam Chaudhary, prior to committing the crime, Siddharth Singh consumed alcohol with a companion at a hotel and later proceeded to Rajapark.
On his route, he fed stray dogs before arriving at the temple. Upon reaching, he recorded a video expressing his frustration and subsequently vandalised the idols, supposedly attributing his misfortunes to divine forces. After the incident, he returned home and confessed to his fiancée, acknowledging that he had made a serious error by vandalising the temple in Sanganer. His fiancée then informed others about the occurrence, which heightened tensions in the community. In reaction to the vandalism, enraged locals gathered on Tonk Road, demonstrating by burning tyres and compelling nearby shops to shut down.
The demonstrators called for the immediate detention of those accountable for the desecration. Some individuals in the crowd also breached police barricades. When law enforcement attempted to manage the situation, a group of troublemakers entered a nearby petrol pump and attempted further vandalism and arson. As tensions heightened, the police had to resort to a lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Ultimately, multiple individuals involved in the unrest were arrested.
A total of 20 individuals have been detained and are currently undergoing interrogation. The police continue to investigate to ascertain if others were implicated and to avert further disturbances. Authorities have assured the public that rigorous action will be taken against those responsible for both the vandalism and the ensuing riots.
This incident has ignited widespread discussion, with community leaders urging for peace and justice, while law enforcement remains vigilant to uphold order in the region.