Man Arrested For Damaging Navagraha Idols
Srikakulam police have arrested a man for vandalising and damaging nine Navagraha idols at a temple located in D.R. Valasa village, G.Sigadam mandal, after drinking alcohol and venting his frustration towards God regarding his life situation.
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2025-07-14 16:25 GMT
Visakhapatnam: The Srikakulam police have arrested a man for vandalising and damaging nine Navagraha idols at a temple located in D.R. Valasa village, G.Sigadam mandal, after drinking alcohol and venting his frustration towards God regarding his life situation.
The incident took place during the night of July 11 when the suspect, named Ramakrishna (also known as Krishna), entered the Navagraha temple near the Shiva temple and damaged the idols with an iron rod. Sigadam police filed a case on July 12 and formed special investigation teams.
District superintendent of police K.V. Maheshwara Reddy revealed the details at a press conference held on Monday. The investigation revealed that on July 11, carpenter Narayana had given Ramakrishna Rs 300 for work. Instead, around 7.10 pm, Krishna visited a liquor shop near Sarveswaram village junction and bought two quart bottles of liquor.
After consuming alcohol, Krishna went to the Shiva temple after 10 pm, where he cursed God and held divine forces responsible for his hardships. He then moved to the nearby Navagraha temple, where he used an iron rod to smash all nine idols, particularly targeting Lord Shani, whom he blamed for his troubles, and spent the night sleeping in the Shiva temple.
Later, early in the morning, he bathed in a nearby water body (Koneru), threw the iron rod in some bushes, and left the area.
This incident marks the second time the accused has been involved in such vandalism. He had previously damaged idols in the same temple in 2022 while the priest was presenting garlands to the Ayyappa deity.
The SP announced security measures for places of worship throughout the district. During the same press conference, he stated that the installation of CCTV cameras at temples, churches, and mosques is now mandatory.
The district boasts 3,300 prayer halls, with some already equipped with CCTV cameras. The SP urged the committees to install cameras at the remaining sites.
The SP also cautioned against stringent actions against those disseminating religious hatred online, noting that 12 individuals have been identified for spreading false propaganda on sensitive religious matters, with legal actions anticipated.
District superintendent of police K.V. Maheshwara Reddy revealed the details at a press conference held on Monday. The investigation revealed that on July 11, carpenter Narayana had given Ramakrishna Rs 300 for work. Instead, around 7.10 pm, Krishna visited a liquor shop near Sarveswaram village junction and bought two quart bottles of liquor.
After consuming alcohol, Krishna went to the Shiva temple after 10 pm, where he cursed God and held divine forces responsible for his hardships. He then moved to the nearby Navagraha temple, where he used an iron rod to smash all nine idols, particularly targeting Lord Shani, whom he blamed for his troubles, and spent the night sleeping in the Shiva temple.
Later, early in the morning, he bathed in a nearby water body (Koneru), threw the iron rod in some bushes, and left the area.
This incident marks the second time the accused has been involved in such vandalism. He had previously damaged idols in the same temple in 2022 while the priest was presenting garlands to the Ayyappa deity.
The SP announced security measures for places of worship throughout the district. During the same press conference, he stated that the installation of CCTV cameras at temples, churches, and mosques is now mandatory.
The district boasts 3,300 prayer halls, with some already equipped with CCTV cameras. The SP urged the committees to install cameras at the remaining sites.
The SP also cautioned against stringent actions against those disseminating religious hatred online, noting that 12 individuals have been identified for spreading false propaganda on sensitive religious matters, with legal actions anticipated.