Protestors vandalise Jantar Mantar, authorities deny reports

The centrally protected monument of Jantar Mantar bore the brunt of agitators yet again, when scores of protesting farmers thronged the 18th century astronomical observatory and vandalised it on Thursday.

The centrally protected monument of Jantar Mantar bore the brunt of agitators yet again, when scores of protesting farmers thronged the 18th century astronomical observatory and vandalised it on Thursday.

HT Image

Farmers forced entry into the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-protected monument complex, brazenly climbed the astronomical instruments, littered the place and a few even resorted to eve-teasing, prompting genuine tourists to stay away from the spot.

They even resorted to drinking on its lush garden.

Also, in Nov 2009, hundreds of irate sugarcane farmers, protesting the government’s new sugarcane policy, forced their way inside the monument and resorted to large scale vandalism.

Unfortunately, instead of taking proactive steps to prevent damage to the heritage, the authorities indulged in shirking of responsibility.

“When a Competent Authority permits a rally, they should ensure there is no unruly instances,” ASI spokesperson Dr B R Mani told HT.

Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat, however, vehemently denied that any untoward incident took place.

“It was a peaceful and orderly rally. We have not received complaints about any untoward incidents,” Bhagat said.