Religious structure vandalism in Pilibhit prompts Sungarhi police investigation and added security

Police in Pilibhit district said a religious structure was found damaged in a posh locality under the Sungarhi police station area. Officers reached the site after an alert, began an investigation, and deployed extra personnel to maintain law and order. CCTV footage is being reviewed and residents questioned as evidence is collected.

Police in Pilibhit district said an unidentified group allegedly damaged a religious structure in a posh area. The incident took place under the Sungarhi police station limits. Officials said they began an investigation after getting an alert. Extra police staff were posted nearby as a precaution. Authorities said the aim was to keep law and order stable.

According to police, local residents saw the structure damaged on Sunday afternoon. Residents then informed the police control room and other officials. A police team reached the spot soon after. Officers checked the area and began basic enquiries. Police also spoke with people living nearby to understand what happened.

Sungarhi police station investigation in Pilibhit district

Sungarhi Station House Officer SHO Naresh Tyagi visited the site with police staff. The team assessed the condition of the religious structure and secured the area. Tyagi said police are examining footage from nearby CCTV cameras and collecting evidence. Investigators are also working to trace the people involved in the alleged vandalism.

Locals told police that disputes linked to the religious structure had come up earlier too. Police recorded statements and continued questioning residents in the locality. The focus remained on learning the sequence of events and any possible motive. Officials said policing was increased to avoid tension while enquiries continued.

Security deployment by Sungarhi police station after damage report

Police said adequate police deployment has been ensured in the area to maintain peace. Officers said the added presence was meant to prevent any untoward incident. Strict legal action will be taken against those found involved in the incident, the SHO said. Police said the investigation would continue until those responsible are identified.

Officials also referred to earlier cases in Pilibhit district involving religious structures. In January, three people were arrested for allegedly carrying out illegal construction of a church in the Amariya Police Station area of the district. Last year, a drive identified unauthorised religious structures. Authorities then issued directions to seal or demolish them.

Police said the current case remains under investigation and evidence collection is ongoing. CCTV footage review and local questioning are continuing in the Sungarhi police station area. Officials said the extra security cover will stay for now. Police said they are working to maintain peace in the locality while following legal procedure.

With inputs from PTI