Two temples in Kishanganj damanged in fire, idols damaged; police call the incident an accident
Kishanganj, Bihar, India 
11 March, 2023
Case Summary
A Durga temple and a Hanuman Temple were set on fire and idols were damaged in Kishanganj, Bihar at around 3 AM at Mastan Chowk in Bagalbari Panchayat, Kochadhaman block. Idols in both temples were damaged by the fire, including a Shivling and others. While the cause of the fire is known yet, locals said that mischievous elements set the Hindu temples on fire. However, police have denied it, and said that it was an accident. No arrests have been made so far. The Superintendent of Police of Kishanganj also stated that strict action would be taken against people spreading rumours. Local Hindus blocked the Kishanganj-Bahadurganj main road demanding the arrest of the accused within 24 hours. They further called for the installation of CCTV cameras all around the temple, along with the demand for the reconstruction of the temples and restoration of the idols by the government.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
In this case, two temples were damaged in a fire, along with the idols in the Temple. While the locals believe this was the work of miscreants, the police said that the fire was accidental. While there are strong suspicions based on the statement of locals, it is a fact that the police version could be plausible and true, since there is no other evidence that has come to the fore about the temples being gutted maliciously. For that reason, this case is being added to the undecided database.
Case Status
Unknown
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Others
Perpetrators Range
N/A
Perpetrators Gender
unknown
Sources 
