Uproar in Ghaziabad after Shivling vandalised at ancient temple, teen suspected

A Shivling was allegedly vandalised at an ancient Shiva temple in Ghaziabad's Bihari Pura on Wednesday night. The incident sparked local anger as police examined eyewitness claims about a teenage girl near the site.A crowd gathers outside the ancient Shiva temple in Ghaziabad’s Bihari Pura after the Shivling was allegedly vandalised.Ghaziabad,Oct 9, 2026 04:19 ISTAn uproar broke out in Ghaziabad after a Shivling was allegedly vandalised at an ancient Shiva temple in Bihari Pura late Wednesday night, triggering anger among local residents. Police have launched an investigation and suspect the involvement of a 16-17-year-old girl based on eyewitness accounts.According to police, they received information about the alleged vandalism through Dial 112 at around 1.30 am on Thursday night. A team from the Crossing Republik police station reached the temple and inspected the spot.During questioning, eyewitnesses told police that a girl aged around 16 to 17 had been seen near the temple premises. She was also allegedly spotted jumping over the temple boundary wall. Police are investigating her possible involvement and examining the circumstances surrounding the incident. No conclusion has been reached about the motive or the sequence of events.The incident sparked anger in the locality, with a local worker associated with the Hindu Raksha Dal demanding strict action against the person responsible. The worker said the alleged vandalism at a religious site should be treated seriously and warned that the organisation would launch a protest if the police failed to take strict action. Police said the situation was under control and peace had been maintained in the area. The damaged Shivling was removed and a new one installed at the temple, officials said.ACP Wave City Priyashri Pal said a police team was investigating the matter and further legal action was underway. Police have appealed to residents to maintain peace while the investigation continues. - Ends