Alwar Temple Demolition: Rajgarh SDM Among 3 Government Officials Suspended 

A 300-year-old Shiva temple was demolished using bulldozers last week by local authorities, which claimed that the drive was carried out to clear encroachments.

New Delhi: Amid growing controversy over the demolition of a  300-year-old Shiva temple in Rajasthan's Alwar, the state government on Monday ordered suspension of three officials including a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), reported news agency ANI.

Rajgarh SDM Keshav Kumar Meena, Rajgarh Municipality Board chairman Satish Duharia and Executive Officer (EO) of the Nagar Panchayat Banwari Lal Meena were among the suspended officials.

A 300-year-old Shiva temple was demolished using bulldozers last week by local authorities, which claimed that the drive was carried out to clear encroachments in the Sarai Mohalla of Rajgarh in Alwar district.

About 86 shops and residential buildings were demolished to clear the way for a road in the area, which according to the government officials were causing hindrance.

Earlier on Monday, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Rajasthan High Court demanding action against the demolition of the 300-year-old Shiva temple. The petitioner also made Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot along with District Collector, Sub Divisional Magistrate, Executive Officer, Municipality a party in the case.

In the PIL it has been pleaded that demolition drive carried out in Rajgarh was unconstitutional in which several shops, residences and the Shiva temple was demolished by the government in the name of a master plan, reported ANI.

"By vandalising the Shiva temple in an unconstitutional way, the sentiments of Hindu society have been hurt and the fundamental rights of innocent people have been violated," read the PIL.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Congress chief GS Dotasara amid rising political slugfest over the demolition said that the encroachment of the area began during rule of Bharatiya Janata Party in the state and that the issue is being raked up by the party to gain political mileage.

"Removal of Alwar temple's encroachment started during the previous rule of BJP government saying that Congress disturbs temples and idols, is wrong. This has always been BJP's agenda. As polls come, they spread religious unrest to make political chapatis."