Tension Breaks Out in Gaya Following Idols Desecration

Gaya: January 10, 2003

The state administration has sought the help of army following the desecration of two religious idols in a Gaya temple that led to a riot-like situation on Friday with angry crowd taking the streets demanding immediate arrests of the culprits.

As the news broke out, angry men burnt some shops, tires on the streets and pelted stones at the security officials. The police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the crowd. At least three people were reportedly injured in the melee prompting the district administration to alert the army in case situation got any worse, the Magadh range Divisional Commissioner M. C. Sirohi said.

Sirohi said that one company of the Rapid Action Force and anti-riot Vajra vehicles have been summoned from Patna and was confident that situation will be brought under control without the assistance from the army, though he wanted to be prepared for any contingencies that may arise.

The district administration is not taking any chance as thousands of Buddhist pilgrims have arrived from various parts of the world to participate in the Kalachakra festival. Security has been beefed up in and around Bodh Gaya in view of the presence of high-profile Buddhist leaders including the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.

The rituals commence on January 12.