CM calls for action, and peace, after bovine parts are found on temple premises in Madhya Pradesh

Local groups also came out in protest against the alleged desecration of the temple.

The accused were identified as Salman Mevati (24) and Shaqir Qureshi (19). Police said they were arrested for “hurting religious sentiments”.

“Two bike-borne miscreants threw body parts of a bovine animal on the temple premises, following which the police traced and arrested them for hurting religious sentiments and under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC),” Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Manoj Kumar Singh said.

Ratlam Superintendent of Police Rakesh Khaka said the incident took place “on the intervening night of June 13 and 14, when at 2.41 am, two bike-borne men threw cow meat inside the temple premises”.

“This hurt public sentiments. A case of inciting religious sentiments has been registered in the matter. Two accused have been rounded up, and the police are investigating the matter. If any other accused is involved in this, they will also be arrested,” the SP said.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav directed police and the local administration to take stern measures against those responsible for the incident. He also appealed for peace.

DIG Singh said timely measures were taken to prevent a flare-up. “An attempt was made to disrupt the harmony in the town, but timely measures prevented the situation from flaring up,” he said.

One Gaurav Puri Goswami, who is reportedly a priest at the local temple, informed police that he saw the bovine body parts at around 3 am and raised an alarm. The parts were later removed by police, and the temple was washed by local authorities.

The local Qazi, Hafeez Bhuru, appealed for peace and called on residents to “not make any objectionable statements on social media”.

“The Muslim community strongly condemns the disgusting incident that took place in Jaora temple last night and requests the government administration that the culprit, irrespective of his religion, should not be spared and should be dealt with in the strictest possible manner,” he said.

Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari said on X, “The incident committed by anti-social elements in Jaora is condemnable. I demand a quick and thorough investigation of this extremely objectionable act. I also appeal to the state government to give harsh punishment to the culprits, who spread animosity in the society.”