Broken Idols of Hindu Deities Found Near Uncovered Temple in Sambhal

In a recent discovery near a newly uncovered Hindu temple in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, authorities on Monday reported finding three broken idols. The idols were unearthed during the digging of a well, said Sambhal Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shrish Chandra.

The idols include a Lord Ganesh statue and another that appears to be of Lord Kartikeya, though further details are being investigated. According to Chandra, debris and soil were present in the well, and the idols were found during excavation. The area has since been secured to facilitate proper excavation.

The newly revealed Shiv-Hanuman Temple in Sambhal, which was reopened on December 14 after reportedly being closed since 1978, has drawn attention from both locals and authorities.

On Monday, devotees also painted the slogans “Om Namah Shivaya” and “Har Har Mahadeva” on the walls of the temple. This follows recent tensions in the region after violence erupted on November 24 over a court-ordered survey of a mosque in the area.

In the wake of the temple’s reopening, authorities have worked to clean and secure the site, restoring electricity and installing CCTV cameras 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 ongoing tensions, the district administration has also launched an anti-encroachment drive to remove unauthorized constructions in public spaces. Sambhal’s SDM, Vandana Mishra, mentioned that this initiative has been underway for two months in Chandauli and is also part of efforts to combat electricity theft in the region.

The violence on November 24, which followed the mosque survey, resulted in four deaths and numerous injuries as protesters clashed with security forces.