Out on bail for vandalising temple, man held for ransacking mosque

A 20-year-old man, identified as Iftikhar, out on bail in a case of alleged vandalism at a temple in Unnao three weeks ago, has once again been arrested by the Uttar Pradesh police for ransacking the furniture and burning religious books and prayer mats at a mosque in Azamgarh on Sunday.
The youth, during interrogation, told the police that he does such things “because he feels like doing it”. The police, though further probing the case, said Iftikhar appeared to be mentally unsound.
According to the police, when people went to offer early morning prayers at the mosque in Khapda village under Saraimeer police station area on Sunday, they found the furniture ransacked and religious books and prayer mats burnt. They also found a young man sleeping inside. They caught him and handed over to the police.
Police officials said some people gathered at the spot and tried to create trouble by blocking the road. However, the blockade was lifted soon after it came to light that the man was apparently mentally unsound. Additional police force was deployed as a matter of precaution.
“The situation turned normal once people realised that it was the handiwork of a youngster, identified as Iftikhar (20), a resident of Safiganj Kot, Unnao, who was not able to explain his behaviour. Investigations revealed that he had earlier indulged in a similar offence in a temple in Unnao district. He was arrested there and later released on bail. He has not even been able to explain as to how he reached Azamgarh. When asked why he is doing such things, he said he does it because he feels like doing it,” said Station Officer (Saraimeer), Tej Bahadur Singh.
Singh added that Iftikhar even claimed to have come under the spell of djinns. “We got in touch with his family. They confirmed his identity, but said they have nothing to do with him,” the SO added.
Circle Officer (Phoolpur), Satyendra Kumar Singh, said the youth has not been able to explain anything coherently about his background. “We have got his antecedents checked from Unnao police. There too, he had carried a similar act and then could not explain his act. As far as we are concerned, he is mentally unsound. Further investigations are on”.
The police have registered a case against Iftikhar under Sections 295 (Injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class) and 427 (mischief causing damage) of the IPC.