Vandalism in Sanatan Ashok Buddha Bihar of Badaun: After Babu Singh Kushwaha, Devesh Shakya demanded action

INDC Network: Badaun, Uttar Pradesh: A case of breaking the statue of Lord Buddha and occupying the premises has come to light in Buddha Bihar, Suryakund Majhia, a historical and religiously important Sanatan Ashoka tourist site located in Badaun district of Uttar Pradesh. This place is associated with the nirvana of Lord Buddha and is considered a sacred pilgrimage site for the followers of Buddhism. After the incident, there is a lot of anger and fear among the local people.

Description of incident: vandalism and inhuman treatment

On 7th December 2024, some anti-social elements ransacked the Buddha Bihar campus and treated the pious local people inhumanely. According to eyewitnesses, during the incident, an ancient statue of Lord Buddha was broken and an attempt was made to spread disorder in the premises.

The local administration and police officers were immediately informed about the incident, but the local people are frustrated and angry due to the lack of concrete action. A memorandum was submitted to the local administration on December 8 in protest against the incident and strict action was demanded.

History and Significance

Sanatan Ashoka Tourist Spot Buddha Bihar is not only a religious place but also has historical importance. It is believed that Lord Buddha attained nirvana here and preached to his followers.

The site symbolizes the history of Buddhism and has been developed by the Department of Tourism. In 2017, the Uttar Pradesh government approved a sum of Rs 99.96 lakh and decided to develop it as a tourist destination.

Intervention by MPs: Demands for action

Expressing displeasure over the incident, Nagina MP and Azad Samaj Party president Babu Singh Kushwaha has written a letter to the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh seeking immediate intervention in the matter. He said that the intention of anti-social elements behind the incident is to disrupt religious and social peace.

He said in his letter, "Will the administration remain a mere silent spectator? Such vandalism and violence will not be tolerated at the holy place of Lord Buddha."

Apart from this, Eta MP Devesh Shakya also condemned the incident while writing a letter on the same issue. He demanded that strict action be taken against the culprits and the statue of Lord Buddha be restored.

Question on local administration

After the incident, local people have questioned the inaction of the administration. Local residents say that the incident was reported to the police and administration, but no action has been taken so far.

Conclusions and demands

This incident not only hurts religious sentiments, but can also cause instability in the society. The parliamentarians and the local people have appealed to the administration to restore the statue of Lord Buddha, take strict action against the culprits and take concrete steps to prevent such incidents in the future.

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• Director General of Police, Lucknow
• Additional Director General of Police, Bareilly Division
• District Magistrate, Badaun
• Senior Superintendent of Police, Badaun

This incident shows that the administration and the government will have to work vigilantly to protect the religious places in the society.