Vandalism Sparks Outrage and Shutdown in J&K's Reasi District

Three more suspects were detained in connection with vandalism at a place of worship in Reasi district, triggering protests and a shutdown. Police have formed a Special Investigation Team to identify and arrest the culprits. Authorities urged residents to maintain calm as investigations continue.

Three additional suspects have been detained by police in connection with the alleged vandalism at a place of worship in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district. Local life came to a standstill due to a shutdown as residents protested the incident, officials reported.

The vandalism was discovered by a visitor to a village in the Dharmari area on Saturday evening, sparking immediate tension and public protests.

An FIR was filed by the police under relevant sections of law, and a Special Investigation Team, led by a deputy superintendent of police, was established to identify and apprehend those responsible.

As of Sunday, 12 individuals had been apprehended, with three more suspects detained in the early hours of Monday, raising the total to 15, according to a police officer.

The SIT is actively working on various leads to solve the case and urging the community to maintain law and order.

A local group called for a bandh, resulting in a complete shutdown in Reasi town and surrounding areas on Monday, with groups of youth burning tyres on various roads.

A large crowd gathered at Zanana Park and marched to Thapa Chowk, demanding strict action against the culprits.

Police and paramilitary forces were deployed in sensitive areas to maintain law and order as a precautionary measure.

Deputy Commissioner of Reasi, Vishesh Paul Mahajan, visited the protest site to reassure protesters that stern action would be taken, stating, 'Anyone trying to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere will not be spared.'

Senior Superintendent of Police, Reasi, Mohita Sharma, appealed to the public to maintain calm, assuring that the police are committed to solving the case quickly. She also mentioned that those involved would be booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA), and CCTV cameras would be installed at all temples to prevent future incidents.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)