Udaipur - The incident of breaking idols of Navagraha and Balaji in the Shanidev temple of Kotri town, Shahpura district, has caused major tension in the area since this morning. The act of vandalism in this ancient temple, located on Krishi Mandi Road, has stirred outrage among the local community. Enraged villagers and Hindu organisations have staged a protest outside the temple, demanding strict action against the culprits. Accusations of police negligence have led to Kotri Police Station in-charge Surendra Singh being suspended. Shahpura’s Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Chanchal Mishra and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ramesh Tiwari are present at the scene, trying to calm down the situation.

The vandalism at the Shanidev temple came to light yesterday morning when the temple priest, Prabhulal Dakot, arrived for morning prayers. He found the idols of Navagraha and Balaji damaged and strewn outside the temple. The priest immediately informed the locals, after which a large number of people gathered at the spot and started shouting slogans against the police.

Following the incident, there was widespread anger among the locals against the police. The residents alleged the police have been ignoring the rising criminal activities in the town. As a mark of protest, villagers and Hindu organisations began a sit-in outside the temple, demanding the removal of SHO Surendra Singh and the entire police staff.

Kotri police reached the spot considering the seriousness of the situation. Additional police officials, including ASP Chanchal Mishra, Shahpura CO Ramesh Tiwari, Kotri CO Pramod Kumar, Kachhola Police Station In-Charge Shraddha Pacheri, Pander Police Station In-Charge Kamlesh Kumar, Tehsildar Ravi Shekhar Chaudhary, BJP Mandal president Prahlad Sen and Charbhuja Nath Temple Trust head Sudarshan Garodia were present at the scene along with other prominent citizens of the town.

Local residents expressed their frustration over the increasing crime in the town to the officials and raised questions about the police's effectiveness. They demanded the immediate arrest of the antisocial elements responsible for this act.

In light of the seriousness of the situation, Kotri Police Station In-Charge Surendra Singh was suspended by Shahpura SP Rajesh Kanwat. Prabhati Lal Meena from Shahpura Police Station has been appointed as the new in-charge of Kotri. ASP Chanchal Mishra assured the public the culprits would be arrested soon and that investigation is underway.

Despite the tense situation, Hindu organisations have decided not to shut down the markets but have warned of a large-scale protest if the culprits are not quickly apprehended.

The atmosphere in Kotri remains tense. Additional forces have been deployed by the authorities to maintain peace and efforts are being made to restore calm.