New Delhi: Due to the construction of a flyover in Northeast Delhi’s Bhajanpura Chowk, a Hanuman temple and Mazaar were removed on Sunday morning. Police stated that the decision was taken in a religious committee meeting that was held a few days ago after a proper discussion with residents and local leaders.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northeast) Joy Tirkey said after removing the structure with the help of the Public Works Department (PWD), “Everything happened very peacefully.”
He said, “This was planned a few days ago. But the local leaders here had asked the civil administration for some time to prepare and make some necessary arrangements. Today (Sunday), we spoke to all of them and after having a proper dialogue with them, both the religious structures were removed from here with everyone’s cooperation. Even the devotees came here and performed their puja before the removal of the religious structure. The temple was removed by the priest himself.”
According to police, a substantial security force has been established in the area to guarantee that the PWD receives all required help. Northeast Delhi is regarded as a sensitive communal area. In 2020, it was the scene of riots in which over 50 people were killed and over 250 were injured.
Delhi Cabinet Minister Atishi tweeted, “LG sir: A few days ago, I had written a letter requesting you to withdraw your decision to demolish temples and other religious places in Delhi. But today a temple in Bhajanpura was demolished again. I request you again to ensure that temples and other religious structures are not demolished in Delhi. People’s faith is attached to them.”
Her letter was written in response to a dispute between residents and authorities in east Delhi’s Mandawali neighbourhood on June 22, when officials allegedly removed a grille encroaching on a pavement near a temple. It sparked rumours that the authorities were on their way to demolish the temple.
