Tensions flared in Secunderabad after the alleged desecration of the idol at the Muthyalamma temple, leading the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal to call for a state-wide bandh on Saturday. Other Hindu organisations also expressed their support for the protest which saw demonstrators gather at the Shri Muthyalamma Devi Temple in Hyderabad. Following this, police were alleged forced to resort to lathi charges to control the growing crowd of protestors.
According to ANI, police took to lathi charge the protestors at Shri Muthyalamma Devi Temple in Hyderabad.
ALSO READ: On Cam: NEET Coaching Centre Owner Thrash Boys With Stick, Throw Footwear At Girls In Tirunelveli
The incident that sparked the unrest took place last week when locals claimed that the idol at the Muthyalamma temple was vandalized, leading to widespread outrage. An individual allegedly involved in the act was apprehended by the locals and handed over to the police, but tensions remained high as protesters demanded stronger action.
Several BJP leaders, including Telangana BJP President G Kishan Reddy and Madhavi Latha, voiced their condemnation of the incident, with Reddy criticizing the state government's handling of law and order. He highlighted the recent pattern of alleged attacks on Hindu temples, stating, "A series of incidents involving the destruction of idols of Goddess Durga Matha at various temples and pandals during Navratri in Bhagyanagar point to the negligence of the state government."
The protests have attracted significant attention, with locals and political leaders calling for swift justice. Despite the authorities' efforts to maintain peace, the bandh has intensified the atmosphere, raising concerns about communal harmony in the region.