Police baton charge locals attempting to trespass government land in Gaya

Gaya, Apr 1 (ANI): Police officials baton charged locals in Bihar's Gaya District on Sunday, who attempted to erect an idol on a government land without taking due permission from the concerned authorities.

The locals had planned to construct a temple in said land area on the occasion of Hindu festival of Ram Navami, the birth anniversary of Lord Ram.

"This is an illegal act. This is not allowed on a private land and even the Supreme Court has passed a judgment that an idol cannot be erected even on a government land. We called a priest and have removed the idol. We are taking preventive action as well," said Vinay Kumar, Senior Superintendent of Police, Gaya.

In reaction, the locals pelted stones at police to which the officials quickly resorted to baton charging in a bid to disperse the protesting mob.

Gaya District Magistrate Vandana Preyasi reiterated that it was not permissible to construct a temple on the government as well as private land, stating that it is an offence to commit such an act.

"One cannot make a temple at such a place and we have asked the priest to place the idol inside a temple," said Preyasi.

It is reported that the police later called a priest and asked him to place the idol in another temple. (ANI)