Kolkata, 04 October (H.S.) -

Tension gripped East Midnapore district on Saturday morning after miscreants allegedly vandalised idols at an idol-making workshop in Nimtouri under the Tamluk police station area.

According to local sources, the incident took place late Friday night at a workshop owned by artisan Anil Chakda near North Narkelda Hat on the Ganpati Nagar High Road. Unidentified miscreants allegedly broke into the workshop and damaged around 40 idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Kali.

As news of the vandalism spread on Saturday morning, angry locals gathered in protest. They alleged that the act was intended to hurt religious sentiments. In response, members of the local Hindu community blocked the Nimtouri High Road, disrupting traffic movement for some time.

Police from Tamluk police station soon reached the spot, spoke with the protestors, and managed to restore normal traffic flow. Senior officers inspected the site and launched an investigation.

Officials said efforts are underway to identify and arrest those responsible. Meanwhile, locals have demanded the immediate arrest and strict punishment of the culprits. The situation in the area is currently under control.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh