On March 29, 2025, a major disturbance and protest unfolded in Jaipur (Rajasthan) after idols at the Veer Tejaji Mandir were desecrated in the early hours of Saturday, located in the Sanganer area on Tons Road, the temple became the focal point of a large-scale protest organised by members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal, and local residents. According to police reports, the vandalism occurred around 3:00 AM, with unidentified individuals damaging the temple’s idols.
As word of the incident spread, a large crowd gathered, demanding immediate action and the swift arrest of the perpetrators. This led to a massive protest, with demonstrators blocking Tonk Road for about three hours. Tensions quickly escalated when protestors set tires on fire near the temple and attempted to set a nearby petrol pump ablaze. Timely police intervention prevented the situation from spiralling further.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) East, Tejasvini Gautam said that “We received information that some anti-social elements tried to vandalise Tejaji’s statue at Tejaji temple on Tonk Road. Police reached the spot and have registered an FIR. Investigation is underway,”
VIDEO | Rajasthan: “We received the information that some anti-social elements tried to vandalise Tejaji’s statue at Tejaji temple at tonk road. Police reached the spot and FIR has been registered. Investigation is underway,” says Deputy Commissioner of Police, Jaipur East,… pic.twitter.com/pOwo4oUR4F
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 29, 2025
Gautam commented on the development and commended the police’s quick response, stating, “A catastrophe was averted due to the swift action of the police.” At least 20 people were detained during the operation to control the protest, and while attempts to disperse the crowd peacefully were made, “mild force” was eventually used to clear the blockade.
Misinformation and allegations amplify communal hate
The vandalism initially sparked a wave of misinformation, with certain groups accusing the Muslim community of being behind the desecration. Social media videos emerged showing protestors raising anti-Muslim slogans, which further stoked tensions of law & order. However, a swift and thorough investigation by the Jaipur Police helped put a stop to these rumours. Authorities quickly arrested a suspect, effectively containing the misinformation.
In response to the seriousness of the situation, over 10 police teams were mobilised to investigate the incident. Investigators reviewed CCTV footage and identified a suspicious vehicle near the temple at approximately 2:30 AM. By tracking the car’s movements across more than 100 cameras, police traced the vehicle to the InterContinental Hotel on Tonk Road.
The arrest of Siddharth Singh: Motive behind the vandalism
The investigation led the police to Siddharth Singh, a 34-year-old man from Bikaner who was residing in Rajapark, Jaipur. Singh’s vehicle was linked to the crime, and he had been visiting a friend at the hotel that night. After extensive questioning, Siddharth was arrested in connection with the vandalism.
In a press conference held later that evening, DCP Tejasvini Gautam provided details of the investigation. Singh was reportedly returning home late on Friday night after consuming alcohol with his friend at the hotel. According to Rajasthan Patrika, Singh had recently been dealing with financial distress, having been forced to shut down his restaurant, ‘Tamas Cafe,’ due to monetary struggles. This financial strain had caused significant emotional and mental stress.
Singh admitted to the vandalism during police questioning. According to Rajasthan Patrika, Singh explained that after leaving the hotel, he had stopped his vehicle near the Veer Tejaji Mandir, where he first recorded a video on his phone saying, “You didn’t do right by me”, before smashing three idols. Singh reportedly linked his actions to frustration and anger over his financial situation, blaming God for his hardships. Police were able to confirm Singh’s identity and his involvement in the crime through CCTV footage.
Singh’s confession and realisation of the impact
Upon his arrest, Siddharth Singh confessed to the crime. Investigators found a photograph of the temple on his phone, timestamped at 3:18 AM, further corroborating his involvement. Singh later expressed remorse, stating that he was under intense stress and had informed his fiancée that he had made a mistake. According to the Indian Express, Singh did not initially grasp the full extent of his actions until the next morning when his fiancée informed him about the protests and the public outrage over the incident.
However, Rajasthan Patrika provided a slightly different account of Singh’s realisation. According to Singh’s statement, he sent his fiancée photos of the broken idols that night, but then forgot about the incident until he was told about the controversy the next day. He only understood the gravity of his actions after his fiancée informed him of the ensuing protests.
Former CM Ashok Gehlot, MP Hanuman Beniwal condemn vandalism
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot condemned the act, calling it “highly deplorable” and an “unacceptable attack on public sentiments and faith.” In a post on X, he said, “The incident of breaking Veer Tejaji Maharaj’s statue in Jaipur’s Pratap Nagar is extremely condemnable. Tampering with public sentiments and faith in this manner is unacceptable.”
जयपुर के प्रताप नगर में वीर तेजाजी महाराज की मूर्ति को तोड़े जाने की घटना अत्यंत निंदनीय है। जन-भावनाओं और आस्था के साथ इस तरह का खिलवाड़ अस्वीकार्य है।
सरकार से मांग है कि इस मामले के दोषियों की शीघ्र पहचान कर उन पर कड़ी से कड़ी कार्रवाई की जाए। साथ ही, धार्मिक स्थलों की…
— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) March 29, 2025
Gehlot also demanded stringent action against the culprits, stating, “I urge the government to swiftly identify the accused and take the strictest possible action. Additionally, effective and robust measures should be put in place to ensure the security of religious sites, preventing such incidents in the future.”
Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) chief and Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal also reacted to the incident. Sharing his statement on X, he said, “It has come to my notice that anti-social elements have broken the statue of folk deity Veer Tejaji Maharaj in Pratap Nagar’s Sector 3, Jaipur. I have spoken to the Jaipur Police Commissioner and urged him to identify the culprits as soon as possible and initiate strict legal action against them.”
जयपुर में प्रताप नगर के सेक्टर 3 में लोक देवता वीर तेजाजी महाराज की मूर्ति असामाजिक तत्वों द्वारा तोड़ने की जानकारी संज्ञान में आई,मैने जयपुर पुलिस कमिश्नर से मूर्ति को तोड़ने वाले बदमाशों का शीघ्रता से पता लगाकर उनके खिलाफ कड़ी कानूनी कार्यवाही करने के संदर्भ में बात की…
— HANUMAN BENIWAL (@hanumanbeniwal) March 29, 2025
Multiple cases filed in connection with the incident
DCP Tejasvini Gautam confirmed that three separate cases had been filed in connection with the vandalism and the protests. The first case was filed by the temple priest, Manoj, regarding the desecration of the idols. The second case, filed by the police, concerns damage to public property and arson during the protests. The third case was registered by Ramesh, the manager of the petrol station, concerning the attempted arson and vandalism at the fuel station.
Related:
A Muslim Ganpati idol maker wants to send a message this Ganesh Chathurthi