Representative image of arrest.
Credit: iStock Photo
Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh: A Bajrang Dal office bearer has been detained for allegedly vandalising an old mazar (shrine) in Uttar Pradesh's Fatehpur, police said on Wednesday.
According to the police, a group of Bajrang Dal workers, led by Narendra Hindu, allegedly gathered at the shrine in Mawai village in Hussainganj police station area on Tuesday evening and damaged the structure using hammers and sticks. The shrine is believed to be several decades old.
A purported video of the incident, which later went viral on social media, showed individuals allegedly vandalising the shrine while issuing warnings and making references to Bangladesh.
In the video, Narendra Hindu was heard saying that people living in the country must show allegiance to the Indian Constitution, the national anthem and Vande Mataram, and that such actions would continue against what he termed a “jihadi mindset.”
The video was subsequently deleted from the social media account from which it was uploaded, the police said.
Following the circulation of the video, tensions flared in the village, with members of the Muslim community expressing strong resentment over the incident.
Station in-charge, Hussainganj, Alok Kumar Pandey told reporters that a heavy police force was deployed in the area soon after information about the incident was received.
Narendra Hindu, identified as the Bhitaura block convenor of the Bajrang Dal, has been taken into custody for questioning, he added.
On Wednesday, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mahendra Pal Singh and Pandey, along with administrative officials, visited the Mawai village along with heavy police force and inspected the site where the shrine was damaged.
A thorough investigation is underway and all aspects of the case, including the viral video, are being examined, the police said.
The police have appealed to residents to maintain peace and assured strict action against those found responsible. The situation in the area remains tense but under control, the police said.