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For widening road near BHU, temple relocated in Varanasi

The temple, which housed a Shivling and several small idols, was an old structure frequently visited by locals for prayers.

Police said that relocating the temple was necessary as the widened road would have placed it in the middle, potentially causing future traffic issues (Express Archives)

The Varanasi district administration, in coordination with local police, conducted a midnight operation to relocate a temple as part of a road-widening project near Banaras Hindu University (BHU). The operation was carried out under tight police security.

Police said that relocating the temple was necessary as the widened road would have placed it in the middle, potentially causing future traffic issues. The temple, which housed a Shivling and several small idols, was an old structure frequently visited by locals for prayers.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Varanasi, Chandra Kant Meena, said the district administration had been in discussions with devotees visiting the temple regarding its relocation for the last sometime. The decision to shift the temple was made only after securing their agreement.

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“The decision was finalised a few days ago, but the relocation was delayed due to certain reasons. The process was completed peacefully after discussions, with no objections from any side,” said Meena.

A police officer added that a mosque had also been relocated earlier as part of the road-widening project, following similar discussions with all stakeholders.

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