Hyderabad: Man Arrested For Indecent Act In Neredmet Temple
As the news of the incident spread, public raised slogans demanding immediate action stating that the act had hurt religious sentiments
Hyderabad: A 26-year-old man was arrested by Neredmet police for entering the Katta Maisamma temple and committing an indecent act in front of the idol. The incident triggered severe outrage from the public which further led to protests in the area continuing till Sunday afternoon. Police dispersed the protesters and brought the situation under control.
According to Ch Sridhar, Malkajgiri Zonal DCP, "The incident occurred on January 10 night. The accused, identified as Altaf, a native of Bidar district in Karnataka trespassed into the temple premises and committed indecent actions in front of the idol." Other devotees in the temple noticed his actions and immediately intervened, following which a large crowd gathered at the spot. Sources said the accused along with his mother had recently come to Malkajgiri and were staying with their relatives in the area.
As the news of the incident spread, public raised slogans demanding immediate action stating that the act had hurt religious sentiments. Videos of the incident circulated fast and the public gathered even before the police reached the spot, he was also made to chant 'Jai Sri Ram.' The public even assaulted him before police reached the place and took him into custody.
Neredmet police registered a case under BNS Sections 333, 196(2), 298 and 299. Section 333 pertains to trespassing while Section 196(2) deals with acts likely to disturb public harmony or promote enmity between groups. Sections 298 and 299 relate to acts of injuring or defiling a place of worship with intent to insult the religion and deliberate and malicious act intended to outrage religious feelings respectively. He was produced before a magistrate on Sunday, who remanded him to judicial custody.
On Sunday morning, tension prevailed near the temple as locals gathered and staged protests, demanding strict action against the accused. Police deployed additional personnel to maintain law and order and prevent untoward incidents.
The protests disrupted traffic in Neredmet, ECIL stretches, leading to Secunderabad. Police intervened and cleared the traffic by afternoon, bringing the situation under control.
The DCP urged the public not to circulate rumours or unverified information on social media and requested citizens to rely only on official updates. Authorities also called for calm, peace, and communal harmony while assuring that the matter would be dealt strictly in accordance with law.