Darrang (Assam), 25 January (HS): Police in Assam’s Darrang district have arrested five persons on charges of vandalising temple idols in the Mangaldai area, officials said on Sunday.

The arrests were made from the Mobamari Bagchapori char area, a riverine tract under Mangaldai. Police, however, have not disclosed the identities of the accused so far.

According to officials, the arrested persons are accused of damaging idols and causing destruction at as many as 16 temples in the Mobamari area. The incidents had triggered concern among local residents.

Police said the arrests were carried out on the basis of an FIR registered earlier in connection with the case. The accused are currently being subjected to intensive interrogation.

Meanwhile, police have launched a manhunt to trace and apprehend other individuals suspected to be involved in the incident.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash