Villagers stage stir over temple arch demolition

Condemning the incident of damage to the main arch of Sri Elumukhachowdeshwari temple at Bilagula in Mudigere, members of various organisations and villagers staged a road block, on Friday.

The temple committee had decided to construct an arch near K M Road last week and the work had commenced.

In the meantime, SDPI district Secretary Bilagula Althaf had called Hesgal Gram Panchayat and had alleged that the work on the main arch was started without permission. In this background, the work was suspended and the decision to build the main arch was taken in the gram panchayat and the work on main arch was initiated. However, the main arch which was under construction was desecrated by miscreants on Thursday night.

Condemning the incident, members of Hindu organisations accused SDPI District Secretary Bilagula Althaf behind the incident and staged a protest, demanding his arrest.

Circle Inspector S S Hiremath who visited the spot appealed to the people to maintain law and order. The dog squad which was pressed into service, visited the house of Althaf.
The villagers and members of Hindu organisation staged a road block at K M Road and Lions Circle, demanding the immediate arrest of the culprits and shouted slogans against Althaf.

All the business establishments supported the protesters and closed the business for two hours.

The protest was withdrawn after the authorities promised to arrest the culprits within a time frame. Temple Committee President Athul Rao had filed complaint against Althaf, Baba and Hameed and the police have taken Hameed into custody for interrogation.