Keonjhar: Desecration of a Hanuman idol in Barbil area of Odisha’s Keonjhar district triggered stiff protest on Monday with a large number of locals staging demonstrations.
Sources said the Hanuman statue at New Market area was reportedly vandalised late on Sunday and when the incident came to light in the morning, local residents came out on the streets in protest.
Protesting the incident, activists of several Hindu outfits and BJP workers staged protest, blocking major intersections by burning tyres. Road blockades were held at several places, including Bata Square, Bangala Square, Kiriburu Square, Birsa Munda Square, and OMC Square.
Tension mounted further when police removed the broken idol from the site and took it to the police station. Protesters claimed the act amounted to an insult to their religion.
Meanwhile, the police have launched an investigation into the incident. A mentally unstable person has been detained for questioning in connection with the incident, a police official said.
At the same time, a special team from the district headquarters reportedly reached Barbil to expedite the probe. The situation was stated to be tense but under control.
Police personnel in strength have been deployed in the area to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident.
