UP: Miscreants desecrate idols in ancient Pataleshwar Mahadev temple, resident block highway

Sambhal (UP): Local residents blocked Moradabad-Aligarh highway on Wednesday after a Shivling and other idols of an ancient temple were desecrated by some notorious elements in Bahjoi area of Sambhal district here in Uttar Pradesh, police sources said here.

Police sources said that the ancient Pataleshwar Mahadev temple is located in Sadat Wari village under Bahjoi area.

"It is being alleged that late on Tuesday night some notorious elements desecrated the Shivling on Pataleshwar Mahadev and other idols in the temple. The incident came to fore when the priest and other devotees reached the temple for morning aarti," they said.

Agitated by the incident, the villagers reached Islam Nagar crossing in Bahjoi and blocked the national highway.

"The protestors, who were demanding action against the miscreants, were later joined by the residents of Bahjoi town. The road block was later lifted on the assurance of the police personnel present on the spot," they said. (UNI)