Hyderabad police have taken into custody a 26-year-old vendor for allegedly desecrating a place of worship in the city's Safilguda area. The incident, which has sparked local outrage and political commentary, occurred at the Katta Maisamma temple on Saturday evening.
Details of the Safilguda Temple Incident
The arrest was made on Sunday, following the alleged incident which took place around 8:30 pm on Saturday. According to police, the accused, a vendor who had come from Bidar in Karnataka approximately a month ago, is said to have entered the temple and performed an indecent act before the idol.
Authorities revealed that initial checks with police in Bidar showed no prior criminal cases registered against the man. However, an officer stated, "We found there is a document certified by Bidar authorities that he is not mentally sound." The police plan to seek court permission to take the accused into custody for further investigation to ascertain his mental condition and understand the circumstances that led him to the temple and the alleged offence.
Viral Video and Political Fallout
The situation escalated after a purported video showing the accused being confronted by locals went viral on various social media platforms. The video allegedly shows the man after he defecated near the temple's entrance. This led to dozens of protesters gathering at the site, demanding strict action against the perpetrator.
The protest saw the participation of Telangana BJP chief N Ramchander Rao, who joined the crowd and levelled allegations against the state government. Rao claimed, "The Congress govt has failed to initiate any action against those responsible for such offences." He further asserted, "Hindus are under threat. We will initiate a cultural movement." His statements added a political dimension to the local law and order issue.
Police Investigation and Next Steps
The Hyderabad police are handling the case with caution, given the sensitive nature of the allegations and the mental health angle that has emerged. The primary focus of the ongoing investigation is twofold:
- To legally determine the mental state of the accused through proper medical evaluation.
- To piece together the events that transpired, including how the man reached the temple and his motives.
The case highlights the complex intersection of law and order, communal sensitivity, and mental health considerations in urban India. Police officials have emphasized following due procedure while addressing the concerns of the local community agitated by the viral video.
