Extremists desecrated a Hindu temple in Draksharamam, triggering widespread anger and distress after a century-old Shiva Lingam was found smashed on Tuesday, 30th December. The destruction occurred at the historic Sri Bhimeswara Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh’s Ambedkar Konaseema district.
?#BREAKING | Andhra Pradesh: Desecration reported at East Godavari temple, Shivling vandalised
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This sacred site is one of the revered Pancharama temples, and the attack took place late Monday night, 29th December, in the temple’s pond area, a spot where devotees traditionally take a holy dip and pray.
Worshippers who arrived early Tuesday morning for the auspicious Vaikunta Ekadasi were heartbroken to find the holy Lingam vandalised. Police quickly launched a massive investigation, with Superintendent Rahul Meena forming four special teams to track down those responsible.
By reviewing high-definition CCTV footage from the Sapta Godavari riverfront, officers successfully identified and detained a man named Neelam Srinivas from Thotapeta village. Investigators found that the destruction was fueled by a personal grudge; Srinivas had recently been involved in a heated argument with a temple priest over how rituals were performed and chose to destroy the Lingam as a way to get revenge.
The incident drew immediate attention from Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who monitored the situation from abroad and demanded a transparent probe. To restore the sanctity of the temple and calm the public’s emotions, authorities quickly held a ceremony to install and consecrate a new Shiva Lingam.
Endowments Minister Anam Ramnarayana Reddy confirmed that security is being permanently enhanced with more cameras and increased patrolling. Moving forward, the police and the Archaeology Department will work together on a strict action plan to ensure these ancient holy sites are better protected from such disrespectful attacks.
