Secunderabad: Tension simmered briefly on Monday following the desecration of an idol at the Muthyalamma temple near the Clock Tower. However, thanks to the timely intervention of the police and restraint shown by the public, the situation was swiftly brought under control, averting any further escalation.
The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, when locals, alarmed by a noise, rushed to the temple premises. They apprehended a suspect and handed him over to the police. CCTV footage from the area showed a man vandalizing the temple gate and entering the premises. The police detained the suspect, who is currently receiving treatment at Gandhi Hospital after being beaten by residents.
While investigations are ongoing, and the motive behind the act is yet to be determined, the police have registered a case and assured strict action. A large crowd gathered near the temple by noon, demanding justice and an end to such provocations. The Hyderabad police promptly deployed more than 100 personnel to maintain peace and ensure the situation remained under control, preventing political opportunism from escalating tensions.
Political leaders from different parties visited the site. Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy and Telangana BJP spokesperson Tulla Veerender Goud condemned the act, alleging deliberate attempts to stir communal discord in the city. On the other hand, K.T. Rama Rao, BRS working president, called for swift legal action and urged citizens to safeguard the city’s harmony. Amid heightened concerns, police placed BJP Goshamahal MLA Raja Singh under house arrest, preventing any provocative actions. The situation remained peaceful through the day, with both the public and police playing key roles in preventing disorder.
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This incident follows closely on the heels of another act of idol desecration on October 12 in Hyderabad. However, the police have clarified that the accused in that case was mentally challenged. Despite attempts by anti-social elements to disrupt peace, the responsible actions of citizens and law enforcement ensured that communal harmony prevailed in Secunderabad.
