Rising Concerns Over Increasing Attacks on Temples in Hyderabad

Social Issues Social Inequalities and exclusion

Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-01-30 09:33:20 |

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Hyderabad has witnessed a disturbing rise in attacks on religious sites, particularly temples, in recent weeks, sparking widespread concerns about security and communal harmony. The surge in incidents, especially in areas like Shamshabad, has left residents questioning the reasons behind this sudden escalation, especially after a decade of relative peace under the previous administration.

The wave of attacks began with the desecration of the Bhoolaxmi Temple in Santoshnagar, which triggered protests in several sensitive areas of the city. Shortly after, another incident of vandalism took place at a Durga Pandal in Numaish Grounds during the Dasara festival. Police investigations led to the arrest of Krishna Goud, a reported substance abuser from Maharashtra, and another individual, Junaid, for the Santoshnagar incident. Authorities cited mental health issues as a factor in both cases.

A more serious incident occurred in Secunderabad when the Muthyalamma Temple was vandalized, leading to widespread protests and a tense atmosphere. Security forces had to be deployed in large numbers, and the area was heavily guarded for nearly a week. The situation escalated further when a city-wide bandh was observed in response. Police arrested Salim Salman Thakur, a Mumbai native, in connection with the attack. Additionally, the owners of the hotel where he was staying were booked for certain violations.

While authorities have increased security in Hyderabad, attacks have now shifted to suburban areas. In Shamshabad, three temples in Airport Colony, Siddhanti village, and Jokul village were targeted within a week. Police arrested three suspects—Kripal, Kishore, and Salim Arman—stating that there was no specific motive behind the incidents. While one of the accused was identified as a professional thief, the other two were reportedly suffering from mental health issues.

However, some Hindu organizations claim that there is a larger conspiracy at play. Vishwa Hindu Parishad spokesperson P. Balaswamy has demanded a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe, questioning why such attacks have suddenly increased. He argued that dismissing the cases as isolated incidents involving unstable individuals fails to address the underlying issue.

Rumors of further temple desecrations in Attapur, Mangalhat, and Gachibowli have fueled ongoing tensions. Social activist Mazher Hussain pointed out that such incidents were rare over the last decade but have become frequent in recent months. He urged authorities to conduct thorough investigations instead of attributing the acts to mentally unstable individuals. Experts warn that unless the root cause is identified and addressed, such incidents may continue to disrupt the city’s communal harmony.

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