A sensitive video that shows vandalized idol of a goddess inside a temple has been circulated with the claim that a Muslim individual vandalized the idol in Lucknow in a religion-based hate crime. However, the police have arrested the accused identified as Sunil Rajput, He doesn’t belong to the Muslim community.
Sharing the visuals on X (Formerly Twitter) @AcharyaJi01 wrote, “Jihadi Jinns once again attacked Sanatan. The idol of Maa Durga Ji was vandalized by the heretics at the “Mari Mata Mandir” situated at Arjun Road, Lucknow”. (Translated from Hindi)
Sudarshan News Journalist Sagar Kumar also shared the visuals and wrote, Once again the faith of Hindus has been hurt. The idol of Maa Durga Ji was vandalized by the heretics at the Mari Mata Mandir situated on Arjun Road in Lucknow.
The truth behind the claims, Fact Check
As soon as the posts containing the sensitive visuals and claims came to our notice. Subsequently, we conducted research and analysis of the incident. And found that the incident was unrelated to a religious hate crime.
To verify the claims made by the users. We performed a relevant keyword search and found the Lucknow police statement on X. According to the statement, the accused is a drug addict and used to steal money from the temple. On the night of 09.10.2024, the accused was in a state of intoxication and was trying to steal offerings from the temple. And during that time, the incident of breaking the idol was committed by accused Sunil Rajput.
Therefore, it is evident from verified sources that the incident was not related to a religious hate crime. He was not a Muslim but Hindu.
Intent
Social media users, influencers and propagandists are circulating sensitive videos from Lucknow with misleading claims to set their narrative based on religion.
Conclusion
Claim– A Muslim individual vandalized the idol of the goddess Durga in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
Fact– The accused has been arrested and identified as Sunil Rajput. Nothing to do with Muslim individuals
