Hyderabad police have taken into custody a 26-year-old man for allegedly trespassing into a temple and performing acts deemed 'indecent' in front of a deity. The arrest has ignited significant political and social unrest in the area.
Details of the Temple Incident and Arrest
The event occurred on the night of Saturday, January 11, at the Katta Maisamma temple in Safilguda. The individual accused has been named as Altaf, a resident of Bidar district in Karnataka. According to law enforcement officials, he entered the temple premises unlawfully.
A formal case was filed at the Neredmet police station. The charges are under pertinent sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for illegally entering a place of worship and for actions intended to insult the religious sentiments of devotees. Following his arrest, Altaf was presented before a city court and subsequently sent to judicial remand, as confirmed by the Malkajgiri police commissionerate.
Political Fallout and Public Outcry
The incident quickly escalated, leading to demonstrations by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and several pro-Hindu organizations. Protestors have accused the detained man of urinating within the sacred temple complex, an act they consider a grave desecration.
Amid the tensions, a video surfaced on social media platforms appearing to show a group of people assaulting an individual outside the temple, allegedly in connection with the event. Police authorities have stated they are verifying the background and past record of the accused and assured that all further steps will adhere strictly to legal procedures.
Telangana BJP President N Ramchander Rao visited the temple site and condemned the act as "blasphemous." In a strongly worded post on X (formerly Twitter), Rao criticized the ruling Congress party in the state, alleging silence and complicity. He wrote, "Even though I respect human rights, the other side speaks the language of 'Sar Tan Se Juda', therefore this incident calls for ENCOUNTER of the person who desecrated the sacred Kattamaisamma Temple." He further vowed that the BJP would actively fight for the protection of Hindu faith and temples.
Appeal for Peace and Investigation
In response to the growing unrest, the police have issued a public appeal. They have urged citizens not to believe or spread unverified rumors and misinformation circulating on social media. The authorities have called upon all sections of society to maintain calm, peace, and communal harmony while the investigation proceeds.
The case continues to develop, with police focusing on a thorough investigation to ascertain all facts surrounding the controversial incident at the Katta Maisamma temple.
