Barbil, a town in the Keonjhar district of Odisha, is experiencing heightened tensions following the alleged desecration and vandalism of a Hanuman vigraha in Ward No-9, near New Market. The incident, reportedly carried out by unidentified miscreants, has deeply upset local residents. In addition to the damage inflicted on the vigraha, silver ornaments from the site were also reportedly stolen.
The news of the vandalism prompted strong reactions from various Hindu organisations on Monday. Akhada groups organised protest rallies across different wards, while members of Hindu organisations and the BJP staged roadblocks at key intersections, including Film Hall Chowk, Bata Chowk, Bangla Chowk, Kiriburu Chowk, Birsa Munda Chowk, and OMC Chowk. Tires were burnt, and markets, shops, as well as government and private offices, were closed in protest.
To prevent further escalation, two platoons of police were deployed in the town. Barbil Police Station Officer Ramakant Muduli confirmed that no incidents of violence occurred during the protests and assured that the situation remains peaceful.
SP Nitin Kushalkar visited the site, held discussions with representatives of Hindu organisations, and expressed regret over the incident. He assured the community that steps would be taken to promptly install a new Hanuman vigraha and pledged to cover the costs from his salary. He stated that the vigraha would be reinstalled at the same location with grandeur and promised to personally attend the installation ceremony.
Additionally, police authorities announced plans to enhance security measures, including increased CCTV surveillance and intensified police patrols to prevent such incidents in the future. A case (No. 383/24) has been registered at Badabil Police Station under Sections 303(2), 196(1)(b), and 324 of the Indian Penal Code. A thorough investigation has been launched to identify and apprehend the culprits.
Local residents, who have worshipped the deity for decades, expressed shock and sorrow over the incident. “We woke up to find the vigraha missing. It is heartbreaking,” a female resident of Ward No-9 stated.
Keonjhar MP Ananta Nayak assured the community of swift action, stating, “No one will escape the eyes of the police, and the wrongdoer will certainly be arrested soon.”
The situation in Barbil remains under control, with heightened police vigilance and assurances from authorities aimed at restoring normalcy and respecting the sentiments of the community.
