Pune: In response to the desecration of the idol of Goddess Annapurna at the Nageshwar Temple in Paud village, locals have announced a “bandh” (shutdown) for Monday, May 5, in Mulshi taluka. A graphic circulating on social media, calling for the protest, reads, “We condemn the desecration of the idol of Goddess Annapurna at Nageshwar Temple in Paud village. The entire Hindu Samaj in Mulshi will observe a shutdown on Monday.”
On Saturday, residents of Paud organized a protest march, voicing their outrage and chanting slogans such as “Jai Shri Ram” and “Pakistan Murdabad.”
The Paud Police have arrested a father and son duo, identified as Chand Shaikh (19) and Naushad Shaikh (45), in connection with the desecration. CCTV footage from the temple reportedly shows the younger Shaikh desecrating the idol of Goddess Annapurna. A complaint was filed by Shivaji Waghvale, a local resident, who stated that the footage captured the accused removing and disrespecting the idol. When locals approached the father to address the issue, he allegedly responded with threatening language and abuse.
The situation escalated when angry youths reportedly pelted stones at a local mosque around 10 p.m. on Friday.
Senior Police Inspector Santosh Girigosavi of Paud Police Station confirmed that both accused have been arrested and are under investigation. He assured that additional police personnel have been deployed to prevent further escalation and maintain peace in the area. The situation is currently under control.
A case has been registered under several sections, including 196, 296(a), 298, 299, 302, 351(2), 352, and 3(5), at Paud Police Station.
