Rajasthan: Tensions Erupt In Shahpura After Animal Remains Found Near Ganesh Pandal

District Collector Rajendra Singh Shekhawat noted that no suspicious activity had been uncovered in the police investigation and emphasised Shahpura's reputation for harmony.

Representational Image | The discovery of goat remains near a Ganesh pandal in Shahpura, Rajasthan, sparked tensions and a protest.

Source : PTI

Parts of animal remains were found near a Ganesh puja pandal in Shahpura town of Rajasthan on Wednesday stoking tension in the area.  

As per the Indian Express report, officials said the discovery of the goat's remains near a pond, where idols had been immersed, led to rumours starting around 7:30 am. As the news spread, local right-wing groups accused someone of intentionally placing the remains there. The people have started protesting against the act. 

However, Shahpura Superintendent of Police Rajesh Kavant refuted claims of a deliberate attempt to incite trouble in the area.

“We received information that animal remains were found near a pandal. We sent forces and started investigating the matter, and after looking at CCTV footage, found that some stray dogs were eating the remains of a dead goat. These dogs can be seen in CCTV footage dragging the remains of the goat near the pond. We have informed the protesting organisations and asked them to stop this dharna,” Kavant said.

District Collector Rajendra Singh Shekhawat said that no suspicious activity had been uncovered in the police investigation and emphasised Shahpura's reputation for harmony. He advised residents to ignore rumours.

The protests led to market closures across Shahpura as right-wing organisations staged protests and chanted slogans against the authorities. Some protesters also demanded the arrest of the alleged perpetrators.

Nagar Panchayat Chairman Raghunandan Soni described the incident as a deliberate attempt to disrupt the town's peaceful atmosphere and communal harmony.

By the evening, the protests subsided after repeated assurances from the administration that no external parties were involved. 

Stones Pelted During Religious Procession

On September 14, Communal tension came to light from the Jahazpur area of Shahpura district of Rajasthan on Saturday over allegations of stone pelting during a religious procession, police reported.

A police constable was injured during the Jal Jhulni Gyaras procession, officials reported, noting that two individuals have been detained in connection with the incident.

According to SP Shahpura Rajesh Kumar, the disturbance took place in Jahazpur, where sloganeering and minor stone-pelting occurred as the procession passed through a predominantly Muslim area. 

“One constable was injured in the incident. Additional policemen have been deployed in the town and the situation is under control,” he said, news agency PTI reported.