In West Bengal Nadia many idols of Hindu gods and goddesses kept outside a potter’s shop at Mathalgarh in Shantipur were vandalised. The incident occurred on the night between January 5 and January 6 sparking political controversy.
Police official confirmed that the idols belong to a Potter named Jayant Das had kept many idols for display just outside his shop ahead of upcoming pooja season.
According to the around 70 idols of Kali, Saraswati and others were completely broken seriously impacting his livelihood.
Das filed a complaint in the Shantipur Police Station.
Police stated that two brothers Amit Dey and Asit Dey who are known to locals for creating disturbance in the area got into a heated argument with Das’s son.
Speaking to local Media One of the senior of police officer said the accused the head heated exchange with the potter’s son. They were drunk and after the shop was closed they attacked the idols.”
The CCTV footage that was recovered shows the brothers vandalising the idols.
Police further stated that the incident resulted due to a personal dispute rejecting the allegations of communal or political angle in the incident. However, further investigation is underway.
On social media, BJP it sel chief Amit Malviya shared photos and wrote, “Another brutal assault on Sanatan Dharma in Mumta’s jungle raj. Around 50 to 60 Kali and Saraswati idols crafted by Potter Jayanta Das were vandalised.”
After identifying the accused, the police have ordered the public to refrain from spreading machine or trying to portray the incident as a communal one.
The police said, “We urge everyone to avoid spreading misinformation and maintain law and order.”