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Police have registered a case against five unidentified individuals for allegedly endangering a protected monument in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district by using torches and flammable substances while filming social media reels, reported news agency PTI.

The action follows the circulation of videos on social media that purportedly show a group entering the Maheshwar Temple at Patnadevi, a site protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act. Officials said the clips, uploaded in late December last year, triggered concern over potential damage to the heritage structure.

Flammable Torches Used Inside Sanctum

According to officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), a behind-the-scenes video revealed that the group used cloth tied to pipes and flammable liquid to light multiple torches (mashals) inside the temple premises, including within the sanctum sanctorum, reported PTI.

The footage also showed a woman performing a ritual near the Shivling, while others with covered faces rang temple bells, raising further questions about unauthorised access and activities inside the protected site.

Damage Found on Temple Structure

Following the emergence of the videos, ASI officials conducted an inspection of the temple premises. They reported visible damage, including black soot marks on the floor and pillars, as well as burn-related deterioration caused by the use of fire inside the structure, reported PTI.

Authorities stated that such actions pose a serious threat to heritage monuments, especially those constructed using traditional techniques that are vulnerable to heat and smoke damage.

Police Seek Social Media Details, Probe Underway

Based on a complaint filed by an ASI official, the Chalisgaon rural police registered an FIR on February 17 against five unidentified persons. The case includes charges related to damaging and misusing a protected monument.

Police have also reached out to social media platforms to obtain details of the accounts involved in uploading the videos, in an effort to identify the accused, reported PTI.

The Maheshwar Temple forms part of the Patnadevi temple complex, known for its Hemadpanthi architectural style, characterised by intricate stone carvings and the use of interlocking basalt stones without mortar.

Officials have reiterated the need for stricter vigilance and enforcement to prevent misuse of protected heritage sites for social media content creation.

(With inputs from PTI)