A wave of unease swept through Datei village in the Mirhachi area of Etah district after unidentified individuals vandalized an idol of Lord Shani Dev on Saturday evening.

The incident, the second of its kind in a week, has heightened tensions in the locality, police reported on Sunday.

The damaged idol, with its head, hands, and mace broken, was discovered by villagers, prompting an immediate response from local authorities. Village head Pankaj Singh filed a complaint against the unknown perpetrators, pressing for quick action to address the desecration. Police officials, meanwhile, have called for calm among residents to prevent escalation.

Circle Officer Sanjay Singh, accompanied by Station House Officer (SHO) Neeta Maheshwari and a significant police contingent, visited the site to assess the situation. “This is a serious matter, and we are investigating it thoroughly from every angle.

The culprits will be apprehended soon,” Singh assured. SHO Maheshwari echoed this, urging villagers to maintain peace while confirming that police personnel have been stationed in the area to ensure law and order.

The incident follows a similar act of vandalism in the district just days ago, raising concerns about a potential pattern. Authorities are now working to identify the motive and restore calm in the affected village.