Yesterday, at around 05:30 hrs we received information about a disturbance over the desecration of the idol of Maa Kali in a temple in Uttar Chandranagar village in Suryanagar Gram Panchayat under Harwood Point Coastal PS. The police team immediately reached the spot and interacted with members of the Puja Committee. They informed us that they intended to file a formal complaint after the idol immersion and requested that the accused be arrested thereafter.
However, soon after, a group of outsiders entered the area and the crowd swelled as individuals from neighbouring villages joined in. The mob then carried the idol to the National Highway, leading to a complete road blockade.
Our forces were promptly deployed, and officers tried to reason with the agitators. Despite repeated requests to clear the road, the highway remained blocked. Public vehicles and ambulances were stranded in traffic, and when officers urged the protesters to disperse, stone pelting ensued.
At that point, our top priority was to protect the idol of Maa Kali and maintain its sanctity. Continuous distress calls were also being received from stranded commuters. Acting swiftly, we secured the idol inside a police vehicle to prevent any damage amid the chaos. The idol was handled with full reverence and care. Afterward, the area was cleared, peace restored, and continuous patrolling was conducted. We subsequently registered specific cases at the police station and initiated a detailed investigation.
Based on intelligence inputs, a person identified as Narayan Halder (28), son of Bhupati Halder, was apprehended and arrested. During interrogation, he confessed to his involvement and expressed remorse for his actions. It was determined that he was in an inebriated state during the incident that led to the desecration of the idol.
The investigation is ongoing, and the matter is being forwarded to the court. Further efforts are underway to identify and apprehend others involved. Prima facie, the incident appears to be a localised disturbance, with certain miscreants attempting to spread misinformation.
We reiterate that the sanctity of Maa Kali is of paramount importance to us. We urge all citizens not to believe or circulate rumours and assure that the police will take every necessary step to uphold peace and protect religious sentiments.
In total, two cases have been registered — one for road blockade and another for vandalism. No arrests have yet been made in the road blockade case, but the investigation continues. We are also examining the presence of CCTV footage from the area.