Hyderabad: In a shocking incident, unidentified individuals vandalized a statue of Goddess Durga at the Nampally Exhibition Grounds in Hyderabad. The attack reportedly took place late Thursday night and was discovered Friday morning when event organizers arrived to prepare for the Devi Sharan Navaratri celebrations.

Upon learning of the incident, a team from the Begum Bazar Police Station quickly arrived at the scene. The vandalism has caused considerable unrest, prompting organizers to voice their anger and demand immediate and strict action against the perpetrators.

The idol, which is installed annually by the All India Industrial Exhibition Society, was meant to be the centerpiece of the Dussehra festivities. Police had been present at the venue until the Dandiya event concluded on Thursday night.

According to Assistant Commissioner of Police (Abids) A. Chandrasekhar, a case has been registered, and an investigation is underway. Reports indicate that the miscreants may have cut the electricity supply and disabled CCTV cameras before carrying out the vandalism, suggesting that the act was premeditated.

At the time of the incident, a security guard assigned to the idol had stepped away to use the restroom. When he returned, he found that the statue had been damaged—its hand broken and its saree and other offerings scattered on the ground.

This incident marks a troubling trend, as it is the second case of idol vandalism in Hyderabad in less than two months. Earlier, on August 27, the idol of the goddess at Bhoolaxmi temple in the Rakshapuram area was also desecrated. Police managed to apprehend two individuals, reportedly under the influence of alcohol, in connection with that case.

Local BJP leaders have raised concerns, alleging that similar incidents have occurred at the temple over the past five years. They claim that the police often attribute these acts to intoxicated individuals or those with mental health issues, rather than addressing the underlying problem of vandalism against religious symbols.

Durga Puja 2024: Celebrating the Divine Feminine

Durga Puja 2024: Dive into Ashtami and Navami’s Sacred Rituals and Timings

Celebrate Dussehra: The Festival of Triumph, Traditions, and Togetherness