A Hindu temple at Lower Omananallur village in Tirunelveli district in Tamil Nadu was demolished on the night of June 11-12. The police has not apprehended anyone though it seems to know the possible culprits. There had been communal tension in the area for quiet some time now.
The Uikattu Sudalaikoil (a local deity, considered a form of Shiva) temple was demolished thoroughly by the miscreants. While the idol was thrown on the road, the bricks and stones offered at the temple were used to break the walls of the temple. The tree Poovarasu, considered auspicious in Tamil Nadu, under which the temple was situated was cut and the branches were strewn on the temple, breaking it down.
The locals blocked the traffic in the main road. They parted only when senior officials including the district inspector interfered and assured action. The Hindu Munnani, while vehemently protesting the demolition and demanding immediate action, appealed to the people not to block traffic as it was affecting school going children. The villagers relented. However, tension continues in the area, especially because of the inaction by the police.
