JAIPUR: Amidst massive protests, the district administration and Jaipur Metro Rail Corporation (JMRC) demolished two temples from Walled City area, which were said to be centuries old.

The drive was initiated at 4 am to demolish Rojgareshwar Mahadev and Khasthharan Mahadev temples, obstructing the construction of Metro corridor proposed from Chandpole to Badi Chaupar.

JMRC official informed, “Notices were issued to shift the idols and belongings earlier and we had planned to carry out drive on Wednesday evening. It was later postponed to Thursday as there were chances of violent protests.”

Nearly 400 police personal were deployed to keep protestors at bay. However, news of demolishing the temple spread fast and many residents rushed to the spot. A senior police official said, “We have arrested 12 miscreants who were provoking other residents to carry out protests. They were detained in Amer police station till the drive was on.”

The official said before the temple structures were razed, idols were safely kept in Tanwar ji Ka Nohra at Natani ji Ka Rasta. Also, assurance to shift these temples in old Aatish Market has been given by the district administration.”

According to Jaipur Metro sources, the JMRC will shift 13 temples from the Walled City area falling on the corridor. So far, only 6 priests have agreed, while remaining still has not signed the consent letter.

Following high court orders, Metro has expedited the constructions of stations in the Walled City area in order to remove the barricades by June 30. These temples were also major obstacle in the construction work for Metro.

