Summary:
Chandigarh, Jan 24 (PTI) A man was arrested here for an alleged sacrilege bid at the historic Kali temple in Patiala on Monday, police said.
In a video, which surfaced on social media, the man is seen climbing the enclosure of the temple and reached the place where the idol of the goddess is placed, said police.
The accused has been identified as Rajbir Singh, resident of Nainkalan village, Patiala Deputy Superintendent of Police Ashok Kumar said over the phone.
The accused has been arrested and a case under relevant sections, including 295-A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) of the IPC has been registered against him, said the DSP.
Meanwhile, several political leaders condemned the incident and expressed fear of spreading of communal hatred by some vested interests ahead of the Punjab Assembly polls.
Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi tweeted,"Today around 2.30 pm, a person arrived at Sri Kali Mata Mandir in Patiala and climbed on the threshold where the Idol of Sri Kali Mata Ji was installed.