The mahapanchayat called by the BJP on July 31 to demand slapping of the stringent National Security Act against the culprits who vandalised a temple in Deoband on Wednesday night, has been postponed. Party MP from Saharanpur Raghav Lakhanpal told The Hindu that it was postponed in view of the “sincere assurance” of the local administration about taking strong action against the accused.
Communal tempers in the sensitive town of Deoband ran high after a temple was vandalised late on Wednesday night. But police foiled what could potentially be a beginning of a communal riot. Police arrested the person who vandalised the idols with a hammer.
Senior Superintendent of Police of Deoband, Pradeep Kumar, had told the media on Thursday that the accused would be tried under the National Security Act.
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“The Superintendent of Police also said that the probe can be entrusted with another IPS officer if we are not satisfied with the police action. I think we should give the administration some time,” Mr. Lakhanpal told The Hindu.