Uttar Pradesh: Three Broken Idols Of Hindu Gods Found In Well Near Newly-Discovered Shiv-Hanuman Temple In Sambhal

After a Shiv-Hanuman Temple was discovered in the Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh, three desecrated sculptures of Hindu gods were found on Monday (16 December).

Three idols recovered from a 25-feet depth in a well near Shiv-Hanuman Temple in Sambhal that was reopened on 14 December, reportedly for the first time after 1978.

Sambhal Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shrish Chandra said, "These are broken idols that were found during the digging of a well. There is an idol of Lord Ganesh. The other one seems to be of Lord Kartikeya."

"There was debris and soil in the well. The idols were discovered when it was dug. More excavations will be done. The area has been secured so that excavation can be done smoothly," he added.

While more details are being sought regarding these idols, the ASP said that proper arrangements will be made for people coming for darshan of these idols and their safety and security would be ensured.

The temple was discovered during an anti-encroachment drive carried out by district police and administration. Thereafter Sambhal SP Krishan Kumar and District Magistrate (DM) Dr Rajender Pensiya offered prayers there.

"We are removing temporary encroachments and permanent encroachment would be removed through due process and notice. The CCTV has been installed. A permanent force has been deployed," the DM said.

Pensiya confirmed that the priests have started performing prayers at the temple while encroachments from other places like lakes will also be removed as per the Supreme Court directive.

The locals painted the name of the Shiv-Hanuman Temple outside the temple in Sambhal, along with 'Om Namah Shivaya' and 'Har Har Mahadeva' slogans.