File photo for representational purpose.
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Hyderabad: A vandalism incident at a temple in the famous pilgrimage town of Draksharamam in Andhra Pradesh has kept the police on their toes. Police have ruled out any communal angle in the desecration of a Shiva Lingam within the Draksharamam temple complex.
The accused is a Hindu.
Dr B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema District SP Rahul Meena said the act stemmed from personal disputes the accused had with temple staff.
On Wednesday, Meena identified the accused as Sheelam Srinivas, a resident of Thotapeta village in Ramachandrapuram mandal, who allegedly vandalised the Lingam late on Monday night. The incident came to light on Tuesday morning.
According to police, Srinivas had long-standing differences with temple employees over an irrigation canal running through land owned by him.
The SP clarified that Srinivas had no political affiliations either.
Known as the Southern Kashi, Draksharamam is a revered spiritual centre, home to the towering 14-foot Bhimeswara Lingam and several smaller shrines collectively known as Daksha Vatika. The Bhimeswara temple, one of the five sacred Pancharama shrines and a major Shakti Peetham, has a history that spans several centuries.
The desecration occurred near the northern gopuram of the Bhimeswara temple, on the banks of the Sapta Godavari, triggering outrage among devotees. Police deployed clues teams, dog squads, and forensic experts, and formed six special teams to trace and apprehend the accused.
SP Meena said Srinivas carried out the act around 1 am after seeing the temple priest performing rituals to the Lingam, intending to create suspicion against the priest. As the spot lacked CCTV coverage, police analysed footage from nearby cameras. A new Lingam was later consecrated at the site, and temple priests performed special rituals.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu took serious note of the incident and spoke to Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, directing him to identify the culprits and ensure strict punishment.
“A new Lingam has been consecrated at the site under the supervision of the Endowments Department, following proper Vedic rituals by temple priests,” the minister said.