West Bengal Police arrested one person for desecrating a Goddess Kali idol in Kakdwip, South 24 Parganas. The accused confessed to vandalism under intoxication. Authorities called it a local incident, urging citizens to avoid rumours and maintain communal peace.
West Bengal Police on Thursday confirmed the arrest of one person in connection with the desecration of a Goddess Kali idol at a temple in the Suryanagar gram panchayat under the Kakdwip area of South 24 Parganas district. Authorities described the episode as a “localised and isolated” incident without any political or communal motive.
The accused, identified as Narayan Halder (28), son of Bhupati Halder, was apprehended following a swift police investigation. According to officials, Halder allegedly damaged the idol while under the influence of alcohol. During questioning, he admitted to his involvement and expressed deep regret for his actions.
“Based on intelligence inputs, a person identified as Narayan Halder was apprehended and arrested. During interrogation, he confessed to the act and stated that he was in an inebriated condition when the incident occurred,” the West Bengal Police said in an official statement shared on social media.
Police Assures Peace, Rejects Political Angle
The police clarified that the incident bore no political or communal undertone, countering claims made on social media that attempted to inflame religious sentiments.
“Prima facie, the incident appears to be a localised disturbance, with certain miscreants attempting to spread misinformation,” the statement added.
Authorities have urged the public to refrain from spreading rumours or provocative content online.
“We reiterate that the sanctity of Maa Kali is of paramount importance. We urge all citizens not to believe or circulate rumours. The police will take every step necessary to uphold peace and protect religious sentiments,” the police said.
Two FIRs Registered, Investigation Continues
Officials confirmed that two separate cases have been registered — one relating to the vandalism of the idol and another concerning a road blockade staged by locals following the incident.
While Halder has been arrested in the vandalism case, the police are continuing their probe into the road blockade.
“No arrests have yet been made in the road blockade case, but investigations are ongoing. CCTV footage from the surrounding area is being examined for further leads,” an officer stated.
The police also emphasized that their teams are actively working to identify any additional individuals who may have been indirectly involved or responsible for spreading disinformation regarding the incident.
Local Reaction and Appeal for Calm
Following the desecration, a small group of residents reportedly gathered near the temple, demanding strict punishment for the accused. However, authorities acted swiftly to control the situation and prevent any escalation of tension.
Community leaders in the area have also appealed for calm, praising the police for their prompt response in apprehending the culprit and restoring peace in the region.
“We request everyone not to politicize or exaggerate this matter. It was an unfortunate act carried out by a drunken individual. Let us not allow it to divide communities,” said a local panchayat member.
Administration’s Message: Peace Over Provocation
District officials have reiterated that maintaining law and order remains the top priority and warned against attempts to exploit the situation for political or communal gain.
Additional police personnel have been deployed across sensitive areas in Kakdwip and nearby villages to ensure peace and prevent the spread of misinformation.
Authorities have also launched awareness campaigns urging people to verify information before sharing it online, in an effort to curb the viral spread of unverified claims.
A Cautionary Reminder
The Kakdwip incident serves as a reminder of how rapidly false narratives can circulate in a sensitive environment. By acting swiftly, police hope to prevent any further disturbance and reinforce community trust.
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With investigations continuing, the administration has assured that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found responsible for vandalism or for spreading false information intended to disturb public order.
“We will ensure that the guilty face appropriate consequences. The religious harmony of Bengal is our shared pride, and we are committed to protecting it,” said a senior police officer from South 24 Parganas.
