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The state of Telangana witnessed a volatile situation on Saturday, October 19, 2024, as protests organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal turned violent. These protests, a response to alleged incidents of idol desecration at Hindu temples, led to the deployment of police force, culminating in a lathicharge to control the escalating situation.
The immediate trigger for the unrest was the alleged desecration of an idol at the Muthyalamma temple in Secunderabad on Monday, October 14. An individual named Salman Salim Thakur, an engineering graduate from Maharashtra, was apprehended by locals after entering the sanctum sanctorum and vandalizing the main idol. This incident sparked outrage within the community, prompting local residents, Hindu organizations, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to condemn the act.
Following the incident, the VHP announced a state-wide protest for Saturday, October 19, accusing the Telangana government of failing to ensure the safety of Hindu temples. The protest, held at district centers across the state, saw participants chanting slogans and raising concerns about the perceived lack of security for religious places. Amidst the protests, a group of protesters hurled slippers at the police, prompting the authorities to take control of the situation using lathicharge.
Adding to the tension, another incident of vandalism was reported at a Durga idol in a puja pandal at the Nampally Exhibition Grounds. While the police attributed the damage to a homeless individual searching for food, BJP leaders demanded a thorough investigation into the matter, citing suspicions of a deliberate act.
The series of events, coupled with the perceived inaction from the state government, fueled the anger of Hindu groups. Prominent BJP leaders, including Union minister and Telangana BJP president G Kishan Reddy, visited the temple complex, condemning the vandalism and demanding swift action from the authorities. The BJP, citing the gravity of the situation, has called for a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into both incidents, demanding a thorough investigation to determine the root cause and motives behind the vandalism.
The situation in Telangana highlights the complex issues surrounding religious security and the growing concerns about the protection of sacred sites. The protests, while fueled by outrage, underscore the need for a calm and measured response, prioritizing dialogue and collaborative efforts to address the anxieties within the community. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Telangana government will address the concerns raised by the protesters and the demands for a comprehensive investigation into the incidents.