Tension in Ichalkaranji over alleged desecration of 'Nandi' idol

Kolhapur, July 18 (UNI) Tension prevailed in the powerloom town of Ichalkaranji here following the alleged desecration of an idol of 'Nandi' (the sacred bull of Lord Shiva) at a temple here.

Police said some people today found the idol of 'Nandi' at the Mahadev temple, situated on the bank of Panchaganga river in Ichalkaranji, allegedly desecrated.

As the news spread in the industrial town, the businessmen closed down their work while shopkeepers downed their shutters, to condemn the incident.

The activists of some Hindu organisations also assembled and arranged a 'maha-arti' at the Mahadev temple and condemned the incident, police said.

Meanwhile, there were reports of some state transport buses being pelted with stones in the Sahakarnagar area.

However, police said the situation was tense, but totally under control, and added that adequate police force has been deployed around the temple premises and various other sensitive points in the town.

Besides, pro-Hindu activists in Kolhapur also condemned the incident and demanded immediate arrest of culprits.

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