HARYANA, India: In an unsettling incident that unfolded in Gurugram’s Khandsa village in India, a sacred shrine became the target of an act of vandalism that has left the local community in shock.
A group of individuals, their motives still under investigation, set fire to the revered shrine, causing damage to the cherished place of worship.
The shrine holds deep significance for both Hindus and Muslims in the village, as it serves as a site of reverence and prayer. The custodian of the shrine, responsible for its upkeep and spiritual welfare, conveyed that the flames consumed some prayer materials within the shrine before the situation was brought under control, thanks to the efforts of local residents and law enforcement personnel.
The shrine is known as a ‘mazar of peer baba,’ a spiritual figure widely respected by the villagers. Over the years, it has become a focal point for communal harmony, as both Muslims and Hindus gather to offer their prayers in a shared atmosphere of devotion. However, the incident has raised concerns about the external involvement of individuals who may not have been part of the local community.
The custodian expressed his sorrow and dismay at the incident, reflecting on the shrine’s decades-old history and its role in fostering unity among the villagers. His suspicion that outsiders might have been responsible for igniting the fire inside the shrine adds a layer of complexity to the incident. Investigations are underway to identify those responsible and ascertain the motives behind this reprehensible act.
The incident occurred amidst an atmosphere of heightened tension, with Gurugram authorities having implemented prohibitory orders under Section 144 in response to communal clashes originating from the nearby Nuh district. These clashes had subsequently spread to various parts of Gurugram and surrounding areas in the preceding week, prompting the district administration to impose the measure. The imposition of Section 144 was lifted by the Gurugram district administration just this week, signifying a step toward the restoration of normalcy and harmony.
