Miscreants Set Fire to Chariot at Lord Sri Rama’s Temple
According to police, a dispute arose over the parking of the chariot in a public place, and the donors were asked to keep it in their home
Anantapur: Miscreants set on fire the chariot of Lord Srirama’s temple in Hanakanahal village in Kanekal mandal of Anantapur district late on Monday night.
Villagers saw the fire in the ratham’s shed, rushed to the spot and put off the flames by pouring water. However, by then, half of the chariot had been reduced to ashes. The district administration has concluded that the incident is due to differences between two groups in the village.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has ordered the district administration to take immediate action against the culprits. Hanakanahal village is located near the Karnataka border. Lord Hanuman Temple and Sri Rama Temple, built about five centuries ago, are located in the same complex. There are two groups belonging to the same community vying for the control of the complex.
Kalyanadurg DSP K. Ravi Babu said a case had been registered based on a complaint by the endowment inspector. “We are verifying the CCTV footage in different locations close to the temple area. Preliminary reports point to the role of one group in the arson,” he said.
Police sources said special teams have taken suspects into custody.
Endowments department officials and priests say the chariot has to be replaced, as there is no possibility of repairing it.