Mentally ill man tries to vandalise temple, protest evokes

Roopnagar (Jammu and Kashmir): An ancient Aap Shambu temple in Roopnagar area of Janipur in Jammu and Kashmir was allegedly vandalised by a 'mentally unstable' man on Tuesday evening.

His act triggered off protests against him, in which a mob attacked a police station, demanding his arrest and set some vehicles on fire, the Jammu police said.

The incident:

• The man, who is said to be mentally unsound, allegedly entered the temple and broke some items kept there and windowpanes.
• Following the incident, people in large number came on to the streets and held protests demanding immediate arrest of the accused.
• The protesters also resorted to stone-pelting and set three vehicles on fire in the area.

What Police said:

• Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Simrandeep Singh confirmed that the accused had been arrested. The Jammu police also arrested the stone-pelters, stated Singh.
• "The mob attacked the police station and set some vehicles on fire," He said and added that a large number of police personnel have been deployed in the state and some stone-pelters and arsonists have also been arrested.
• The Deputy Commissioner told media that the accused had come to the area to see a psychiatrist.
• "Right now the situation is tense but calm, people became aggressive as some people were under the influence of alcohol," Singh said.
• He also said that a police officer was suspended for laxity in the matter.