Durgapur, 28 July (H.S.): A political controversy has erupted in Durgapur after a Trinamool Congress leader was accused of entering a temple at night and vandalising a white marble throne used for the deities. The incident came to light on Tuesday, triggering outrage among local residents and members of the temple committee. The accused is reportedly absconding.

The incident took place at the Shiv Shakti Temple in Amarabati under the New Township Police Station area of Durgapur. The temple, which was recently renovated, houses deities on an ornate white marble throne and attracts devotees every day.

According to allegations, Trinamool leader Biswajit Biswas had been involved in a long-running dispute with the Shiv Shakti Temple Committee. The committee alleged that on Monday night, Biswas obtained the keys from the temple caretakers, entered the temple, unlocked it, and damaged the marble throne.

As news of the incident spread, local residents gathered at the temple and informed the New Township Police Station. BJP MLA Chandrasekhar Banerjee also visited the site after learning about the incident.

Temple Committee Chairman Subodh Goswami alleged that the accused had hurt the religious sentiments of devotees by damaging a highly valuable marble throne. He demanded strict legal action against those responsible.

Reacting to the incident, Durgapur East MLA Chandrasekhar Banerjee launched a sharp attack on the Trinamool Congress, alleging that the vandalism reflected the party's political culture. He said the matter had been reported to the police and warned that the accused would be arrested even if he tried to hide.

The police have taken cognisance of the complaint and an investigation is underway. No official statement has yet been issued by the accused or the Trinamool Congress regarding the allegations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey