Four youths penalised for damaging pillars at Hampi

A Judicial Magistrate of First Class court here has slapped a fine of Rs 70,000 each on four people for pushing down the pillars at Vishnu Temple behind Elephant Stable at World Heritage site Hampi.

The court had directed them to pay the fine on February 14. The police released them after collecting Rs 2.80 lakh as fine amount, said the police.

After the incident came to light, the Archaeological Survey of India immediately began the task to reinstall the pillars, Kalimuthu, deputy superintendent, ASI, said. The police had detained the youths on Feb 7 after video showing them damaging a pillar had gone viral.