Temple in India replaces elephant with lifelike robot for ‘cruelty-free’ rituals
IndependentAPR 2023
Questions must be asked of both the temple trust and the Indore civic body. The tragedy could have been averted had the authorities properly acted on complaints filed by residents who alleged that the temple was built on a stepwell in an encroached park last year. Despite likely knowing the structure wasn't secure, officials failed to follow through on any action, and no amount of compensation will bring justice to the victims.
Religion shouldn't be used to grab public land for the benefit of a few greedy individuals. The municipal and government bodies — having ordered the structure's removal — must be empowered to prevent unauthorized constructions from being carried out under the garb of religious structures, as political interests and religious sentiments often render authorities helpless.