Telangana: Another Incident Of Temple Vandalism In Shamshabad Sparks Outcry; Police Launch Probe

In Shamshabad Airport Colony, the incident came to light after the temple priest upon his arrival for morning prayers noticed that the idols, including Navagrahas, were desecrated by miscreants.

Shamshabad news: The miscreants allegedly damaged several statues at a temple in Shamshabad’s Airport Colony, Telangana, leading the Cyberabad police to initiate an investigation on Tuesday morning. The incident was discovered by the temple priest, who noticed the idols, including the Navagrahas, desecrated upon his arrival for morning prayers. Reports indicate that the assailants entered the temple grounds by opening the gate and used stones to damage the idols.

B Rajesh, DCP, Shamshabad said, "The property of Hanuman temple at Airport colony has been damaged, accordingly we have deployed our crime team...local Police have come to the spot. As per the people here, an unknown person came here and damaged the property. We have taken him into custody. We are talking to the temple committee members as well regarding the restoration (of the damaged property)."

Reacting to the incident, Telangana BJP taking to X said, "Another tragic day, and yet another sacred Hindu temple desecrated in Telangana under Congress rule. In a bid to appease their vote bank, the Congress government has turned a blind eye, refusing to punish those who have desecrated our holy temples in previous incidents. By failing to deliver justice, they’ve only emboldened these hate-filled attackers, who now act with even greater impunity."

"To defend such attacks and deflect public attention the Congress has recently ordered to appoint Social Media Coordinators in Temple trusts," it said.

Dr Ravinuthala Shasidhar, national spokesperson for the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), criticised the government for its handling of temple desecrations in Telangana. He remarked, "Rahul Gandhi, who is visiting Hyderabad today, should address these temple attacks and clarify his stance on religious violence. The government’s failure to prevent these incidents has encouraged further acts of vandalism." He also called for strict action against what he described as "Islamic fanatics" involved in such attacks.