An uneasy calm presisted in Rakshapuram of Hyderabad following 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 is 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.
In response to the incident, security in the Rakshapuram area has been significantly increased to prevent further escalation. Despite the heightened police presence, members of the Bajrang Dal and BJP organized a protest march demanding swift action against the accused. The protesters expressed their concerns over what they perceive as a lack of protection for religious sites in the city.
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Senior police officials, including those from Santosh Nagar Police Station, engaged with the protesters, urging calm and assuring them that a thorough and impartial investigation would be conducted. After the police communicated with the crowd, the protesters dispersed from the spot yet the atmosphere in the area remains tense.