Tensions remain high on day after vandalisation of Secunderabad temple

The act involved damage to an idol, prompting local residents to protest and demand greater security at religious sites.

Hyderabad: Tensions continued to remain high on the second day on Tuesday, following a vandalism incident at a place of worship at Monda Market area in Secunderabad on Monday. The act involved damage to an idol, prompting local residents to protest and demand greater security at religious sites.

It is suspected that the 30-year-old suspect, who is currently undergoing treatment after being roughed up by local residents, had targeted the idol when he was on his way to a place of worship.

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According to police sources, the suspect who belonged to the neighbouring State was staying in a hotel in the Secunderabad railway station vicinity. He vandalised the idol which was enroute to the place of worship from the hotel.

Based on preliminary information, the police raided the 50-room hotel and learnt that it was rented mostly by petty thieves and people from other States.

Meanwhile, North Zone DCP S Reshmi Perumal said the suspect who suffered serious injuries is currently under treatment.

“He is not in a position to speak and more information could be gathered only through his statement which would be recorded after he recovered,” she said adding the situation at the place of worship was peaceful and adequate police personnel were deployed.

The police was also probing if there were more miscreants along with the nabbed suspect involved in the act.

Authorities are now investigating the case, with discussions underway to enhance surveillance and prevent future occurrences.

On September 14, tensions arose after the idol was vandalised, sparking fury and protests from the local residents. A significant number of residents protested near the place of worship, demanding action against those guilty, and various political leaders too also joined them.