Centre Registers Case for Demolition of 800-Year-Old Temple
The action follows a complaint by lawyer Immeneni Rama Rao to the National Monuments Authority, alleging that the structure was razed using heavy machinery for construction of an integrated school.
Warangal:The Union ministry of culture and the archaeology department have registered a case over the demolition of an 800-year-old Kakatiya-era temple at Ashok Nagar in Warangal district.
The action follows a complaint by lawyer Immeneni Rama Rao to the National Monuments Authority, alleging that the structure was razed using heavy machinery for construction of an integrated school. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, contained a Telugu inscription dated February 1231 AD referring to Kakatiya ruler Ganapati Deva with royal titles. Historians said the site had been documented by the heritage department in 1965 and formed part of the Kota Katta mud fort region.
The complaint alleged failure by authorities to constitute a Heritage Conservation Committee as mandated under the Telangana Heritage Act, and said the structure could have been relocated instead of being demolished.
The petition has sought action under relevant provisions of the Act against officials concerned and called for an inquiry into the incident.
The National Monuments Authority is expected to examine the circumstances leading to the demolition.
