Man Drives Car into Mathura's Shahi Eidgah Mosque After Traffic Fine, Threatens to Blow It Up
In a startling incident on Sunday, a man attempted to forcefully enter the premises of the Shahi Eidgah Mosque in Mathura by driving his car through the gates, creating chaos and raising security concerns. The individual, identified as Pushpendra from Meera Vihar Colony in Jamuna Paar police station area, was reportedly agitated over a recent traffic challan issued against him by the police.
Dramatic Scene Unfolds at Shahi Eidgah Mosque
Around 12:30 PM, Pushpendra arrived at the Shahi Eidgah Mosque, located adjacent to the revered Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple, and tried to drive his car through the mosque's entrance. Security personnel stationed at the site promptly intervened, attempting to prevent him from entering the sacred premises. Undeterred, Pushpendra allegedly threatened to blow up the mosque, drawing parallels to the demolition of the Babri Masjid, and refused to exit his vehicle for over half an hour.
The confrontation escalated as Pushpendra locked himself inside the car, ignoring repeated requests and warnings from the security officers to step out. Concerned about the potential threat and uncertain about the contents inside the vehicle, the security team alerted the local police force for immediate assistance.
Swift Police Response Averts Potential Crisis
Responding promptly to the distress call, additional police personnel from the Govind Nagar police station arrived at the scene and assessed the situation. Given the suspect's refusal to cooperate and the gravity of his threats, the officers decided to forcibly extract him from the vehicle to neutralize any imminent danger.
The police broke the car's windows to gain access and successfully apprehended Pushpendra without any further incident. A thorough search of the vehicle was conducted, which fortunately did not yield any explosives or suspicious materials. The timely intervention by the security personnel and police averted what could have been a serious security breach at a highly sensitive and disputed religious site.
Underlying Motive: Anger Over Traffic Fine
Upon interrogation, it was revealed that Pushpendra's drastic actions were allegedly triggered by frustration over a traffic challan issued against his vehicle at a local intersection. Described as exhibiting erratic and impulsive behavior, Pushpendra admitted to being enraged by the penalty, which led him to act out in a manner that endangered public safety and disturbed communal harmony.
Law enforcement officials are currently investigating the incident in detail to ascertain if there were any deeper motivations or if Pushpendra acted alone. They are also evaluating his mental state and background to understand the full context of his actions. Charges related to threatening public safety, attempted trespass, and disrupting peace are expected to be filed against him.
Heightened Security Measures at Disputed Site
The Shahi Eidgah Mosque and the adjacent Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple have been subjects of longstanding disputes and legal battles, making the area highly sensitive and necessitating stringent security measures. Recognizing the potential for unrest, authorities have maintained a robust police presence in the vicinity to ensure peace and prevent any untoward incidents.
This latest episode has prompted authorities to reassess and further tighten security protocols around the site. Senior police officials have commended the quick response of the security personnel and law enforcement officers, emphasizing that such vigilance is crucial in maintaining communal harmony and safeguarding religious sites.
Community Reactions and Calls for Peace
The incident has sparked reactions from various community leaders and residents, who have condemned the act and called for maintaining peace and respecting the sanctity of all religious places. Local authorities have appealed to the public to remain calm and not let such isolated incidents disrupt the harmony and brotherhood among different communities in Mathura.
Investigations are ongoing, and the police have assured that strict action will be taken against those found guilty of attempting to disturb peace and security. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding law and order and addressing grievances through proper legal channels rather than resorting to extreme and unlawful measures.
