Tensions flared at a village in the Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh on Sunday when a group attempted to install a Durga idol near a graveyard, according to local authorities. The movement's organiser, Daya Prakash Shukla, was detained by police, and force was deployed to maintain order.
As per news agency PTI, Alok Kumar, Additional District Magistrate (ADM) claimed that Shukla, a resident of Ujjaini Jamal village, arrived at the graveyard with a group and a Durga idol, insisting it be placed there. Members of the Muslim community opposed the installation and alerted the authorities.
He stated that ever since the matter escalated with sloganeering by the Hindu side, police took the idol under their custody and detained Shukla.
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Similar Attempt To Install Idol Prevented 2 Years Ago: Gonda Police
Devendra Srivastava, Kotwali Dehat Police Station SHO noted a similar attempt to install an idol at the same location two years ago but that was also prevented. Shukla argued that the land in question is registered under the name of Kali Mata, and the case is pending in the high court.
He highlighted that on October 1, the Lucknow Bench of Allahabad High Court comprising Justice Sangeeta Chandra and Justice Brij Raj Singh had directed the District Magistrate to address the matter by October 3.
Gonda District Magistrate Neha Sharma stated that the administration's response was in line with her and the court's order. "After a thorough investigation, a legal order has been passed. Today's administration's action has been taken in the light of that order. There are clear instructions from the government that under no circumstances will any statue be placed at a new place nor will a new tradition be started," she said, news agency PTI reported.
Over the warning to take the law into hand, she said, "If anyone tries to install the statue at a new and disputed place without permission, legal action will be taken."