ATTEMPT TO DISRUPT THE ATMOSPHERE DURING PUJA

ATTEMPT TO DISRUPT THE ATMOSPHERE DURING PUJA

13-OCT-ENG 12

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------While the entire city is abuzz with enthusiasm for Durga Puja and devotees are immersed in worshipping Goddess Durga, an incident involving an attempt by anti-social elements to disturb the peace has come to light near Khara Kuan in the Bhaluhipur area (under the jurisdiction of the Ara Town Police Station). Two Durga Puja pandals were set ablaze here under the cover of darkness.

Additionally, a motorcycle parked near one of the pandals was torched, leaving it completely gutted. The incident caused a stir in the locality. Upon seeing the flames, locals rushed to the scene and managed to bring the fire under control after a strenuous effort. Preparations were reportedly underway to install idols of Goddess Durga in both pandals; consequently, there is significant outrage among the locals over the targeting of these worship sites.

A crowd gathered at the spot as soon as news of the incident spread. Agitated residents created a commotion, demanding that the anti-social elements involved be identified and subjected to strict action. They expressed concern that such incidents during the festival could vitiate the atmosphere and urged the police administration to treat the matter seriously and arrest the culprits promptly.

Following the report of the incident, the Town Police have initiated an investigation. Authorities are trying to ascertain who set the fire to the pandals and the motorcycle, and under what circumstances. Investigations regarding the identity of the perpetrators and the cause of the fire are currently ongoing. The incident has sparked resentment among the locals, who have demanded that the administration take action against the guilty and implement necessary measures to maintain peace and harmony in the area.