Days after a temple locked since 1978 was reopened in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal, efforts are now underway to reopen a Shiv temple, reportedly 250 years old, in the Madanpura area of Varanasi that has been closed for nearly 40 years.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, while addressing the Winter Session of the Assembly on Monday, accused the Opposition of turning a blind eye to violence against Hindus in Sambhal in the state. Yogi Adityanath stated that 209 Hindus have been killed in communal incidents in Sambhal since 1947.

The temple, which had reportedly remained closed since 1978, was reopened on December 14 as part of an encroachment clearance operation carried out by local police and administration.

A Lord Shiva temple in Khaggu Sarai, Sambhal, closed since 1978, has been reopened, marking a revival of cultural practices. Nagar Hindu Sabha patron Vishnu Sharan Rastogi shared the temple’s history,

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday defended the recent survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, asserting that the exercise, conducted on court orders, was disrupted due to provocative speeches during Friday prayers.

The idols were found in the well near the Shiv-Hanuman Temple, which was opened on Saturday, December 14 after being closed for the last 46 years

The temple, located in Khaggu Sarai is just over a kilometre away from the Jama Masjid which is situated in Kot Garvi area.