Two old Hindu temples in Suryaraopeta, Kakinada rural mandal of East Godhavari, Andhra Pradesh were demolished by Church authorities using a JCB machine and later took away antique idols of presiding deities.
The incident took place on March 28, 2019, at midnight. The villagers have identified the culprits as Church Pastor Prabhudas and three others. They were also engaged in Christian evangelical activities under the banner of “Christu Sangam” for the last five years. These pastors are said to be behind the demolition of the temple. Accused Pastor Prabhudas had also built a church beside these two temples and was eyeing the temples land and property for long.
When the news of temple demolition was brought to the notice of local police authorities, they attempted to settle the matter in private. However, due to increasing pressure from members of Shiva Shakthi Organisation, the police were compelled to file criminal cases against local Christian Pastor Prabhudas and two others under IPC section 295, 379, 427 and 447.
Legal Right Protection Forum, an NGO, took cognizance of this and found that the construction of the church was illegal. LRPF has filed a formal complaint with the local Revenue Authorities and sought necessary action against the illegal construction. Further details are awaited.
– VSK Telangana
– VSK Telangana
