Vandalism: Court orders installation of new idols

The Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court on Wednesday directed the state government to instal new idols of Gautam Buddha and Mahavir in two parks in Old City of Lucknow.

The Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court on Wednesday directed the state government to instal new idols of Gautam Buddha and Mahavir in two parks in Old City of Lucknow,which were vadalised by a mob protesting against alleged atrocities on Muslims in Myanmar and Assam on August 17.

The bench comprising Justices Umanath Singh and V K Dixit directed the government that the new statues should be larger in size and more impressive in appearance.

The court passed the order on a public interest litigation,filed by advocate Ranjana Agnihotri and two others,urging the court to direct the state government to replace the statue of Gautam Buddha in the Buddha Park that was damaged by the mob,give compensation to victims and take measures to prevent such incidents in future.

The mob had attacked passersby,beaten journalists,stoned shops and smashed vehicles.

Chief Standing Counsel I P Singh informed the court that FIRs had been lodged and five persons arrested for the incidents. Singh also informed the court that the state government had sanctioned Rs 24 lakh for installing new statues of Gautam Buddha and Mahavir.

The court asked the government to submit an action-taken report on its directives on September 12.

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