Sambhal: Authorities have discovered three broken idols near a newly uncovered ancient Hindu temple in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. The Shiv-Hanuman Temple was reopened on December 14, reportedly for the first time since 1978. The idols, found during the digging of a well, include one of Lord Ganesh and another likely of Lord Kartikeya, according to Sambhal Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shrish Chandra.
The idols were uncovered from debris and soil in the well, and the area has been secured for further excavation. Devotees painted slogans like ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ and ‘Har Har Mahadeva’ on the walls of the newly discovered temple on Monday.
The temple site, which had been tense due to violence on November 24 over a court-ordered survey of a mosque, has since been cleaned, electricity restored, and CCTV cameras installed for security. Sambhal’s Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishan Kumar and District Magistrate (DM) Rajender Pensiya visited the site on Sunday to offer prayers.
Amid the ongoing tensions, the district administration has also conducted an anti-encroachment drive to remove unauthorized constructions from public spaces, a similar operation that has been underway in Chandauli for two months. Additionally, efforts to combat electricity theft are ongoing in the area. Violence erupted in Sambhal on November 24 during a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque, resulting in clashes between protesters and security personnel. The violence led to the deaths of four people and left many others injured.
