A large-scale anti-encroachment drive in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district has uncovered several significant finds, including the recovery of murtis of Hindu deities from a well near a Shiv-Hanuman temple. The temple, which had remained obscured for decades by illegal structures, was opened for the first time since 1978 as part of the drive.
Recovery of Idols
The discovery was made when the administration, during debris removal operations, unearthed a well near the Shiv-Hanuman temple. Sambhal Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sirish Chandra informed the media that debris had been dumped into the well over the years.
Upon clearing the debris, three idols of Hindu gods were recovered from the well. Among them were a murti of Ganesh ji and one of Kartikeya ji, while the identity of the third idol is yet to be confirmed.
“The idols are being secured by the police, and further recovery operations are ongoing,” ASP Chandra stated.
#WATCH | Sambhal Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shrish Chandra says, “These are broken idols that were found during the digging of well. There is an idol of Lord Ganesh. The other one seems to be of Lord Kartikeya, more details are being sought. There was debris and… https://t.co/88CWJrUQgf pic.twitter.com/hmaTK8oCzk
— ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2024
Reopening of Shiv-Hanuman Temple
The Shiv-Hanuman temple itself was rediscovered during the encroachment removal process. The temple had been surrounded and concealed by illegal structures, making it inaccessible for decades. The administration has now reopened the temple, which has not seen worship or public access since 1978.
To facilitate Darshan and Puja, the police have secured the area and implemented necessary arrangements to ensure devotees can worship at the newly accessible temple safely.
Details of the Anti-Encroachment Drive
The anti-encroachment drive in Sambhal is targeting vast tracts of land that have been under illegal occupation for decades. These encroached areas include densely populated colonies, multiple unauthorised mosques, and rampant instances of electricity theft.
Authorities report that these illegal settlements have grown over the years, leading to significant challenges in governance and public infrastructure management. The administration’s current efforts aim to reclaim public land, remove unauthorised structures, and address electricity theft.
Public Response
The rediscovery of the Shiv-Hanuman temple and the murtis has evoked strong emotions among the local Hindu community. Many see the reopening of the temple as a significant event, symbolizing the reclaiming of cultural and religious heritage.
Local authorities have assured that security will remain a priority to prevent any unrest during the drive. “This is an important step in reclaiming public land and preserving our heritage. We will ensure that the process is carried out fairly and peacefully,” an official said.
The uncovering of the murtis and reopening of the Shiv-Hanuman temple highlights the long-term impact of illegal encroachments on cultural and religious landmarks in Sambhal. The administration’s ongoing efforts not only aim to reclaim lost public spaces but also shed light on hidden elements of the cultural history.
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