Vandalism at an ancient Hanuman temple in Asansol's Kali Pahari area, West Bengal, has heightened tensions. BJP leaders accused the state government of targeting religious sites and demanded strict action. Supporters staged a dharna outside the police station and blocked GT Road.
On Tuesday, antisocial elements entered the Hanuman temple in Asansol's Kali Pahari area and damaged the idol of Hanuman, Shivling, idols of Brahma, Vishnu, and other deities. Locals gathered in anger upon hearing of the incident.
BJP candidate from Asansol South, Agnimitra Pal, and other leaders arrived at the scene and began protests. They cited incidents in Nandigram and Hugli, calling it a conspiracy against Hindu religious sites. Pal stated there are no CCTV cameras at the temple or nearby, raising questions on security and investigation, and demanded concrete action.
Protesters started a dharna outside Asansol South police station and blocked GT Road by burning tires. This disrupted city traffic severely. Police and central forces were deployed as tensions rose.
The incident occurred ahead of the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections, amid rising political tension over attacks on religious sites.