Massive protests erupted in Rajasthan’s Jaipur on Saturday over vandalism at Tejaji temple on the Tonk road even as police claimed that the suspect has been arrested.
Over 20 people have been detained after a mob attempted to set a petrol pump on fire. Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal led the protests which blocked the Tonk road—a national highway—for nearly three hours.
Police said the protesters swaped a petrol station and spilled petrol in the area. Before they could set the pump on fire, police took prompt action and removed them, they said.
DCP (East) Tejaswani Gautam said the suspect who allegedly damaged the idol at the temple has been identified as Siddharth Singh (34), a native of Bikaner.
According to police, Singh is currently residing in Rajapark area of Jaipur. He was returning to his place last night after having liquor with his friend when he stopped near the temple and vandalised the idol in a fit of rage, Gautam said.
"He stopped his vehicle and entered the temple. After spending some time there, he lifted the idol and threw it. Singh said that he was disturbed due to financial losses," the DCP told reporters.
Police are investigating whether there were more people involved in the vandalism. VHP spokesperson Amitosh Pareek earlier said some miscreants had damaged the idol last night which created anger among the Hindu community.
"This is an insult to Tejaji maharaj. We have demanded identification and arrest of the accused involved in the matter," he said.
