Clashes broke out in the Sanganer area of Jaipur late on Friday (March 28) after unidentified miscreants vandalised a statue of Veer Tejaji Maharaj, a revered folk deity in Rajasthan. The incident sparked widespread outrage, with locals taking to the streets in protest. Demonstrators blocked the Jaipur-Tonk road, shut down markets, and burned tyres, demanding action against the perpetrators.
Members of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal also joined the protests, amplifying the demand for justice. To prevent further escalation, the administration deployed heavy police forces in the area, with additional reinforcements called in to maintain law and order.
According to initial reports, police were alerted about the vandalism in the early hours of Saturday (March 29). Locals claimed that miscreants damaged the idol inside the Tejaji Temple located in Sector 3 of Pratapgarh late Friday night. News of the desecration quickly spread, prompting residents to stage a three-hour blockade on the Jaipur-Tonk highway.
Despite repeated appeals from officials, the agitated crowd refused to clear the road. The police were eventually forced to use mild force to disperse the protesters and restore traffic movement.
The desecration of the idol drew sharp reactions from political and community leaders. Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal condemned the act, calling it a direct attack on public faith.
“Such an act by anti-social elements is a mockery of public sentiments and will not be tolerated. The culprits must be identified and punished,” Beniwal said.
Echoing similar sentiments, Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully denounced the incident, terming it an assault on collective faith and heritage.
“Religious places must be safeguarded. This attack on faith is unacceptable. The state government must ensure strict action against those responsible and strengthen security at all religious sites,” Jully stated.
Police officials have assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway. Authorities are currently analysing CCTV footage from the vicinity of the temple to identify those responsible for the vandalism.
Meanwhile, senior police officials have urged residents to maintain peace and avoid falling prey to rumors.
Veer Tejaji Maharaj is a revered folk deity worshipped in several Indian states, including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat. Born on January 29, 1074, in Kharnal village (Nagaur district, Rajasthan), he is regarded as one of the six miraculous Siddhas of Rajasthan.
Veer Tejaji is widely remembered for his contributions to farmer welfare and cow protection. He sacrificed his life on August 28, 1103, in Sursura (Ajmer district) while fighting to protect cattle. His legacy continues to be celebrated with great devotion across rural Rajasthan and beyond.
As tensions remain high in Jaipur’s Sanganer, authorities are closely monitoring the situation. Local leaders have urged calm while demanding justice for the desecration of the revered idol.
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