Sarlahi, Nepal, March 15: In a recent case of vandalism at Jhilimilia Temple in Malangwa Municipality, Sarlahi District, Nepal, authorities have apprehended a suspect. Rakesh Sitta, a 33-year-old resident of Malangwa Municipality has been accused of vandalizing the temple’s statue, causing uproar among locals.
The Sarlahi police swung into action and took Rakesh into custody on Wednesday. He now faces charges related to religion-related offenses, according to SP Shyam Kumar Mahato, the Chief of Sarlahi Police. The arrest came after evidence was discovered at the scene, where the desecration of the statue took place on Tuesday night.
The incident has sparked outrage among locals, prompting protests in Malangwa. In response to the destruction of the temple idol, residents closed down the market area as a sign of protest, demanding swift justice for the sacrilegious act.
Following Rakesh’s arrest, the Malangwa District Court granted the police an extension of five days to conduct further investigation and take necessary actions against the suspect. Under Nepalese law, specifically Article 1 of the Criminal Code, damaging a religious or sacred place carries severe penalties, including a maximum imprisonment term of five years and a fine of up to Rs.50,000.
The incident has not only stirred emotions within the local community but also raised concerns about religious harmony and the protection of cultural heritage in the region. Authorities have assured the public of a thorough investigation and swift justice in the matter.
