One held in Puranapul Darwaza Maisamma Temple vandalisim incident

A suspect has been arrested in connection with the vandalism at the Maisamma Temple near Puranapul Darwaza in Hyderabad. Police confirmed that only a flex banner and a Plaster of Paris idol in the verandah were damaged, while the sanctum sanctorum idols remained untouched.

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad police have arrested a suspect in the vandalism incident at the Puranapul Darwaza Maisamma temple on Thursday night. The suspect, whose identity was not revealed by the police, had allegedly damaged a flexi banner and a POP idol placed in the temple verandah.

Police said the suspect was identified and nabbed within 24 hours of the incident by the Kamatipura police. He is being interrogated as part of the ongoing investigation to collect more evidence.

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Officials said the situation at Puranapul Darwaza was fully under control and urged citizens not to panic or believe rumours circulating on social media. Officials clarified that false claims about damage to the main idol at the Maisamma Temple were baseless and warned of strict legal action against those spreading fake news or attempting to disturb public order.

According to police, only a flex banner and a Plaster of Paris idol placed in the temple veranda were partially damaged, while the idols inside the sanctum sanctorum remained intact. The unidentified offender did not enter the main temple, officials said.

The incident occurred around 11.30 pm on Wednesday when the unidentified person entered the temple premises and caused damage to the banner and POP idol. The Kamatipura police registered a case and collected CCTV footage and other evidence from the spot.

Following the incident, tension escalated in the area after a mob of around 300 people gathered and allegedly indulged in vandalism in which four police personnel were seriously injured. A separate case has been registered in connection with the attack on police and damage to the religious structure.

Officials said several suspects have been identified using CCTV footage and video evidence, and action will be taken against those involved.