The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) Telangana unit has strongly condemned the recent physical assault on Ramadevi, Executive Officer (EO) of the Sri Sitaramachandra Swamy Temple in Bhadrachalam, Telangana. The incident, which reportedly took place at Purushothapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, on July 8, in the presence of Andhra Pradesh police, has sparked widespread concern among temple protection advocates and raised fresh questions over the safety of temple officials and the fate of the disputed temple lands.
In a statement issued by its Telangana unit, VHP blamed the governments of both Telugu states—Telangana and Andhra Pradesh—for their “continued apathy and administrative failure” in protecting over 900 acres of temple land that have long been under threat from alleged encroachments by what it described as a “land mafia operating with political backing.”
VHP National spokesperson, Dr Shashidhar, said: “It is shameful that in broad daylight, an officer sincerely discharging her duties in service of dharma has been physically attacked under police watch. The governments of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have remained silent even after such a brazen incident, which only emboldens the land mafia and demoralises honest officers.”
Telangana: Bhadrachalam temple EO attacked by villagers while inspecting illegal encroachments on temple lands
Via: @eOrganiser#Telangana #Bhadrachalam https://t.co/bYAKp1PBN0
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) July 9, 2025
According to the VHP, the assault on Ramadevi is not an isolated episode, but part of a larger trend of neglect, spanning over two decades. The temple, located in Telangana’s Bhadradri Kothagudem district, owns around 917 acres of land, much of which lies across the inter-state border in Andhra Pradesh. After the bifurcation of the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh in 2014, VHP claims the situation worsened as land disputes intensified, and encroachments allegedly increased with the support of local political elements.
The organisation noted that even during the unified Andhra Pradesh era, successive governments—particularly those led by N. Chandrababu Naidu and Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy—had failed to safeguard the temple’s lands.
“These very governments have the dubious distinction of selling temple lands to private parties,” said the VHP Telangana unit.
Post-bifurcation, despite the temple’s location within Telangana, the control of much of its land falling under Andhra Pradesh’s jurisdiction has complicated governance and enforcement. The VHP alleged that during the tenure of former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, local public representatives openly encouraged encroachments, and structures including churches and mosques were reportedly constructed on temple property.
Adding to the legal dimension, the VHP pointed to a ruling by the Andhra Pradesh High Court directing the removal of illegal encroachments on temple lands—a verdict it claims remains unimplemented.
The VHP has placed four key demands before both state governments:
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy must order a full inquiry into the attack and initiate legal proceedings against the perpetrators.
Protection must be extended to temple staff, and morale of honest officers must be preserved.
Both Chief Ministers must conduct a joint review and launch a coordinated action plan for protection of temple lands.
All illegal constructions on temple lands must be removed in accordance with court orders.
“This is not just about land – it is about our temples, our culture, and our self-respect. If governments continue to fail in their duty, the VHP will not remain a silent spectator,” said Dr Shashidhar, hinting that the organisation is prepared to escalate the issue through public mobilisation across both states.
Speaking to Organiser, Dr Shashidhar said, “The attack on the officer is a very serious issue that highlights the lawlessness of those encroaching upon temple lands. They are taking advantage of the jurisdictional divide between the two states in controlling these lands. This must be addressed as a priority, or else anti-social elements may settle on temple lands, further complicating the issue.”
