Tamil Nadu Man Out On Bail Attacks Kanyakumari Temple, Accused On Run

The temple has been repeatedly targeted allegedly by a group led by Sajin, who, along with his associates, attacked both the temple and its priest.

With the latest incident taking place on February 1, the Isakki Amman temple in Kanyakumari’s Thottathuvilai area, Tamil Nadu has been subjected to multiple acts of vandalism over the past two months. 

According to a report by TOI, the temple has been repeatedly targeted, allegedly by a group led by Sajin, who, along with his associates, attacked both the temple and its priest, Sundar, on two separate occasions in December and January.

During the incidents, an idol inside the temple was vandalised. After the attacks, Sajin and his accomplices were arrested, and videos of the vandalism were widely circulated on social media platforms.

However, after securing bail, Sajin and at least four other members of his group returned to the temple on the night of February 1, launching another attack and once again vandalising the premises.

Further, police have initiated a manhunt for Sajin and the others involved in the latest incident. Reports suggest that Sajin and Priest Sundar are relatives, and their conflict is linked to an ongoing family property dispute.

Tensions Erupt After Temple Vandalised In Hyderabad

In a separate incident, an uneasy calm persisted in Rakshapuram of Hyderabad was reported on August 27, 2024, about an alleged act of vandalism at Sri Bhulaxmi Mata Temple. A man, reportedly suffering from mental health issues, was accused of ransacking the temple, sparking widespread tension and protests in the city's old quarters.

The accused's family stated that he is currently undergoing treatment for mental health issues at the Institute of Mental Health in Erragadda, Hyderabad. They emphasised that the man was mentally unstable, a claim that has been taken into consideration by the police during their preliminary investigations.

The incident unfolded late Sunday night when the temple's idol was discovered vandalised leading to outrage among the local community. A large crowd quickly gathered at the site, expressing their anger and demanding justice. As the situation escalated, Hyderabad police were deployed to the scene to manage the growing unrest.