Amid chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram,’ the crowd was seen hurling slippers at the police
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — As protests by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal workers turned violent, police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse them.
The protests were organised by the Hindutva groups who accused the Telangana government of inaction in the wake of the alleged desecration of an idol at Muthyalamma temple in Secunderabad on Monday. They demanded a detailed investigation into the desecration incident.
Amid chants of “Jai Shri Ram,” the crowd was seen hurling slippers at the police during the protest before the state machinery took control of the crowd, media reports reaching here said.
Salman Salim Thakur, also known as Salman, an engineering graduate from Maharashtra, allegedly entered the sanctum sanctorum of the Muthyalamma temple in Secunderabad during the early hours of Monday and desecrated the main idol. This act sparked protests from residents, Hindu organisations, and the BJP.
The VHP announced a state-wide protest for Saturday, accusing the Telangana government of failing to protect Hindu temples from attacks.
VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal confirmed that the protest will be held at all district centres across the state.
Multiple Hindu groups have expressed their support for the protest, condemning what they describe as a rising number of attacks on temples throughout the state.
Vandalism Incidents
The first incident occurred at a Puja pandal at the Nampally Exhibition Grounds, where a Durga idol was damaged. Police reported that a homeless man was responsible for the vandalism, claiming it was unintentional. According to authorities, he was searching for food and accidentally disturbed the Prasadam, leading to the damage. However, BJP leaders are calling for a thorough investigation into the matter.
The second incident, which resulted in widespread protests, involved the vandalism of the Muthyalamma temple. Prominent BJP leaders, including Union minister and Telangana BJP president G Kishan Reddy, visited the temple complex to condemn the act.
Local residents apprehended one individual, later identified as Salman Salim Thakur, and turned him over to the police. Investigations revealed that Thakur had come to the city earlier in the month to participate in a month-long personality development workshop. In response to these incidents, BJP leaders are demanding an inquiry by the National Investigation Agency.
