Just a day before Dussehra celebrations, miscreants set ablaze a Ravana effigy in Sector 30-A late Wednesday night, leaving organisers and residents shocked. The incident occurred around 11 pm, when preparations were in full swing for the annual festival organised by the Ashwani Bal Dramatic Club.
According to eyewitnesses, two helmeted youths were seen fleeing the spot moments after the effigy caught fire. The blaze quickly engulfed the structure, reducing it to ashes before any response could be mounted. At the time, most organisers and residents were attending the Ramlila performance nearby, unaware of the unfolding vandalism.
Chandan, head of the Dussehra Committee, condemned the act, calling it a deliberate attempt to spoil the festivities. He said the committee had sensed possible mischief and had even alerted the local beat constable and the station house officer earlier in the day. “This is not just an effigy that was destroyed, but weeks of hard work and the sentiments of hundreds of people who look forward to this celebration,” he said, while addessing the media.
Police officials said a patrolling officer was stationed at the Ramlila ground when the fire broke out. The matter is being investigated and CCTV footage from the area is being scanned to trace the culprits.
Residents of the area voiced disappointment that such incidents were occurring during a festival meant to symbolise the victory of good over evil. “The irony is that on the eve of Dussehra, some people chose to commit an act of sheer vandalism,” remarked one local.
The Dussehra Committee has since appealed for increased security to ensure the main event is not disrupted. Authorities have assured that adequate arrangements will be made so that the burning of the effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhkaran on Dussehra day goes ahead as planned.
