Massive protests in Hyderabad: 26-year-old man beaten, arrested for desecrating Katta Maisamma Temple; accused of urinating within premises

HYDERABAD: A 26-year-old man has been arrested in Telangana for allegedly unlawfully entering a temple premises and committing what police described as “indecent” acts in front of an idol, news agency PTI reported. According to police, the incident took place at the Katta Maisamma temple in Safilguda on Saturday night. The accused has been identified as Altaf, a resident of Bidar district, Karnataka. Police said a case was registered at Neredmet police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for unlawfully entering a place of worship and insulting religious beliefs. He was produced before a city court on Sunday and has been sent to judicial remand, a release from the Malkajgiri police commissionerate said. The incident triggered protests by the BJP, pro-Hindu organisations and devotees, who accused the man of urinating within the temple premises. A video circulated on social media purportedly showed some individuals assaulting a man outside the temple after questioning him over the alleged act. Police said they are verifying the antecedents and past history of the accused and that further action will be taken strictly in accordance with law. Telangana BJP President N Ramchander Rao visited the temple and described the incident as “blasphemous”. He alleged that the ruling Congress party in Telangana was competing with Bangladesh and Pakistan in attacks on Hindus. In a post on X, Rao said, “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 by urinating within the premises. I am also astonished at the radio silence by Congress, BRS as well as the pseudo secular media on the issue.” He further said the BJP in Telangana would not remain a mute spectator and would fight on the streets for the protection of Hindu faith, temples and dignity. “Hindus will not be silenced. Faith will not be compromised”, he said. Meanwhile, police appealed to the public not to believe or circulate rumours or unverified information on social media or other platforms.Police also appealed to all sections of the public to maintain calm, peace and communal harmony.