Vijayawada (VSK). In a ghastly incident that took place in a 400 year old Lord Rama in Nellimarla Mandal of Vijayanagar, Andhra Pradesh, some unknown offenders beheaded the idol of Lord Rama.
They broke open the gate of the temple and vandalized the idol situated in the sanctum sanctorum. Situated on a smooth hill formed of a single rock, this ancient temple has a long history. The destruction of the idol, which is worshiped by the people of Srikakulam, Vijayanagaram and Visakhapatanam districts of Uttar Andhra as well as some other districts of Odisha, has touched the hearts of millions of Hindus. Hindu organisations have expressed huge outrage over the attack.
Hindu groups allege that nearly a hundred temples have been attacked since the formation of the Jagan government and that no one has been arrested so far. And also they allege that every time there is an attack, the authorities and the police say irresponsible reasons for attacks.
The BJP leaders lamented that the verbal remarks made by the ruling party leaders were further infuriating the Hindu community, which was deeply upset over the series of attacks on temples and idols of their deities.
BJP leaders and activists staged a dharna on Ramatirtha hill demanding immediate identification of the perpetrators of attacks on Hindu temples and idols of deities in the state and burning of chariots by the government along with this incident. They decided to stay on the hill all night and continue their dharna. At the bottom of the hill, the police deployed and prevented everyone from going up the hill. At one stage the police did not even allow them to serve meals to the activists who were protesting above. It was possible to offer them meals after intense resistance.
It is clear that the main purpose of the offenders is not stealing jewellery or other valuables. They entered the temple with a sole aim of breaking the idol. Citizens of Andhra Pradesh demand the government to expedite the enquiry and take very stern action against the culprits. They fell that perfunctory actions taken by the government so far are yielded no results.
