Greater Noida: Ravana idol in Bisrakh temple vandalised

An idol of Ravana at a temple in Bisrakh village of Greater Noida was found vandalised on Tuesday. Bisrakh is believed to be the birthplace of Ravana and the demon king is worshipped there.

Police said on Tuesday afternoon, a group of young men, wearing saffron scarves, entered the Radha Krishan temple and vandalised the idol of Ravana and another deity.

“Villagers claim that a group of right wing activists had opposed the installation of Ravana’s idol at the Radha Krishan temple. They alleged that some people forcibly entered the temple, which is currently being renovated, and broke the idol of Ravana before fleeing the spot,” said Rakesh, deputy superintendent of police (circle 3), Greater Noida.

The police said they have not received any complaint from the villagers yet.

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“A case will be registered once the villagers give us a written complaint. We have recorded the statements of some witnesses. However, the statements are contradictory. I have asked the local police station in-charge to keep an eye on the situation,” Rakesh said.

“We already have a historic temple of Ravana in the village. Some villagers were trying to put an idol of Ravana and other deities related to him at the Radha Krishan temple, which was opposed by some residents. This might have led to the incident,” said Vijay Bhati, a villager.

Bhati, however, said there is no tension in the village. He blamed certain people with “vested interests” of trying to install the idol of Ravana at the Radha Krishan temple.

“Ravana is being worshipped in this village since time immemorial. Nobody can dare attack the historic temple. It seems like some people are trying to politicise the issue,” Bhati said.