Key Points

The main gate of Bharatpur's historic Moti Mahal was vandalised when three men attempted to hoist the princely flag. The accused, including retired Army man Manudev, fled after guards confronted them. Police deployed over 200 personnel and set up blockades across the city following anonymous threats. A large panchayat has now been convened in Manudev's hometown of Sinsini village amid ongoing tensions.

Key Points: Bharatpur Moti Mahal Vandalised in Princely Flag Hoisting Bid

  • Three men in SUV vandalised main gate of historic Moti Mahal
  • Accused identified as retired Army man Manudev from Sinsini village
  • Police deployed 200 personnel amid princely flag tensions
  • Large panchayat convened in Deeg over the controversial incident
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Bid to hoist princely flag at Moti Mahal in Bharatpur; panchayat convened in Deeg

Three men vandalised Moti Mahal gate attempting to hoist princely flag. Retired Army man Manudev identified; panchayat convened in Deeg amid tensions.

"The police investigation will reveal who is behind this incident - Aniruddh Singh"

Jaipur, Sep 22

The main gate of Bharatpur’s historic Moti Mahal was vandalised late on Sunday night when three men in an Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) forcibly entered the palace premises and allegedly attempted to hoist the princely flag, the erstwhile royal family said on Monday.

The accused, identified as Manudev from Sinsini village in Deeg district and two of his associates, abandoned their vehicle and fled after guards confronted them.

Additional Superintendent of Police Satish Kumar confirmed that Manudev’s presence was recorded on video, while the identities of the other two are under investigation.

A case has been registered on the complaint of Aniruddh Singh, a member of the former royal family, against one named and two unidentified individuals.

Security has been tightened in the city following the incident.

On Sunday, police from four districts, an STF company, RAC battalions, and over 200 personnel were deployed across Bharatpur amid tensions over the flag issue as anonymous men threatened to hoist the princely flag in the palace.

Blockades were set up, and vehicles entering and leaving the city were checked. The vandalised gate of Moti Mahal was repaired the same night, and police remained stationed there.

Aniruddh Singh, son of Vishvendra Singh, the erstwhile royal of Bharatpur, reached the Mathura Gate police station at 3 A.M. on Monday and filed a complaint against Manudev.

On Monday morning, Aniruddh Singh said, “The police investigation will reveal who is behind this incident. The spot is close to Moti Mahal, and royal items could also have been damaged.” He also alleged that “anti-social elements” were involved.

Meanwhile, a large panchayat began in Sinsini village, Deeg — Manudev’s hometown — in connection with the controversy.

Manudev, a retired Army man and social worker, had also livestreamed the incident on his social media page. The situation remains tense but under control, with police maintaining strict surveillance around Moti Mahal and sensitive areas of Bharatpur.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Why are people still obsessed with princely flags? We are one India now. This kind of behavior only creates unnecessary tension. The police did right by deploying extra security.
V
Vikram M
As someone from Rajasthan, I know how emotionally charged these historical sites can be. But live-streaming the vandalism? That's just seeking attention. Hope the investigation reveals the real motives behind this.
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Ananya R
The panchayat in Sinsini village shows how seriously the community is taking this. Hopefully they'll counsel peace and respect for law. We don't need such dramas in our state.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see how India handles these historical tensions. The police response seems measured and appropriate. Hope the situation remains peaceful.
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Sneha F
While I understand the sentimental value of royal heritage, breaking into protected monuments is not the way. There are proper channels to express historical pride. This just gives our beautiful Bharatpur a bad name 😔

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