An ancient temple and two houses belonging to Hindus were gutted in a fire that broke out under suspicious circumstances at two different locations, leading to tension in Kishtwar town on Tuesday.

Giving details, police said that fire first broke out at the houses of Malal Chand and Rajesh Kumar at Chhan Siri village around 2 am. The residents, who were asleep at that time, however escaped unhurt, sources said. They added that the village was inhabited by Hindus.

Nearly three hours thereafter, an ancient temple of Mehar Devta was gutted in fire in Mughal Maidan area around 5 kms from Chhan Siri. Significantly, the single storey wooden structured temple had no electricity connection. There was also no civilian population nearby.

According to police, while anti-social elements appear to be behind the gutting of temple, electric short circuit can be the cause of fire at Chhan Siri. However, separate cases have been registered and investigations started. No arrests have been made so far.

The incident led to tension in Kishtwar town, with Hindus observing bandh on the call of local Sanatan Dharam Sabha in protest over the incidents. The Minister of State for Home Sunil Sharma along with Inspector General of Police for Jammu zone, Danish Rana, rushed to Kishtwar to take stock of the situation.

No untoward incident was reported from anywhere the town as both Sharma and Rana assured prompt investigations into the incidents and stern action against those found guilty. The former also assured adequate compensation to the people whose houses were gutted in fire.

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