Telangana Bandh: VHP Calls for State-Wide Shutdown Over Muthyalamma Temple Vandalism

Hyderabad: A statewide bandh has been called today by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, following allegations of vandalism at the Muthyalamma temple in Secunderabad. The call for the bandh has received backing from various Hindu organizations, reflecting growing unrest over recent attacks on places of worship.

Support for the Bandh Grows

As part of the bandh, several shop owners in Telangana voluntarily closed their shops in solidarity with the protests against the perceived attacks on Hindu temples across Telangana, including the Muthyalamma temple, also known as the Durga Mata temple.

Recent Incidents Ignite Tensions

Earlier this month, incidents of idol vandalism sparked protests among the Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP ) and other Hindu groups. The first incident occurred at a Puja pandal in the Nampally Exhibition Grounds, where a Durga idol was damaged. Local police reported that a homeless individual inadvertently caused the damage while searching for food. However, this explanation has not quelled demands from BJP leaders for a thorough investigation.

The vandalism of the Muthyalamma temple, however, has drawn sharper condemnation. Following this incident, which took place in Secunderabad's Mondal division, Union Minister and Telangana BJP President G. Kishan Reddy, visited the temple site to express his discontent. 

Local residents apprehended an individual connected to the vandalism, later identified as Salman Salim Thakur. Thakur had come to Hyderabad earlier this month to participate in a personality development workshop. The police are currently investigating the incident, and BJP leaders are demanding a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the matter.

(With Inputs from ANI)