HYDERABAD: Tension gripped the outskirts of Hyderabad on October 17, after unidentified individuals desecrated the murti of Bhagwan Hanuman at the Ramalayam temple in Rampally village, Keesara Mandal, Medchal–Malkajgiri district. The incident, which occurred around midnight on October 16, has sparked outrage among devotees and Hindu organisations across the region.
Rampally, located on the north-eastern border areas of Hyderabad city, witnessed spontaneous protests after devotees discovered the murti of Bhagwan Hanuman damaged early October 17 morning. The mace (gada) held in the Bhagwan Hanuman’s left hand was found broken, prompting immediate reports to temple authorities and the police.
Soon after, local residents, members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), BJP, and other Hindu organisations gathered at the temple, raising slogans and demanding the swift arrest of those behind the attack. Police teams reached the spot and assured devotees that CCTV footage from the area was being examined as part of a detailed probe.
Reacting strongly to the incident, Dr Ravinuthala Shashidhar, VHP spokesperson, condemned what he described as a targeted act of religious hostility and criticised police for their casual response.
“The desecration of Bhagwan Hanuman’s murti at Rampally in Keesara Mandal is a deliberate act by religious extremists. Why is it that CCTV cameras stop working only when Hindu temples are attacked? Without conducting any preliminary investigation, why are the local police dismissing it as a natural break or the act of mentally unstable individuals? Don’t the police know where such ‘madmen’ are coming from? This is clearly a hate-driven act by religious fanatics. The VHP demands a comprehensive investigation and stern action against the culprits,” said Dr Ravinuthala Shashidhar in a post on X.
రాంపల్లి గ్రామం, కీసర మండలంలో హనుమంతుని విగ్రహాన్ని ద్వంసం చేసిన మతోన్మాదులు. హిందూ దేవాలయాల పై దాడి జరిగినప్పుడే ఎందుకు C.C కెమరాలు పనిచేయవు?.ఎలాంటి ప్రాథమిక విచారణ జరపకుండానే గాలివీచి విరిగిందని, పిచ్చోళ్ళు లేదా మతిస్థిమితం లేని వాళ్ళ పని అని స్థానిక పోలీసులు ఎందుకు… pic.twitter.com/HfIqvUxVdU
— Dr.Ravinuthala Shashidhar (@shashidhar147) October 17, 2025
Locals allege that since the Congress government took charge, several attacks on Hindu temples have occurred in and around Hyderabad. However, the weak response from the police has raised doubts, with many questioning whether Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s hold over the Home Ministry is affecting fair and prompt action.
Pattern of Temple Attacks in Hyderabad and Surrounding Areas
This attack follows a disturbing trend of recurring murti vandalism cases in and around Hyderabad:
Secunderabad, Muthyalamma Temple (October 2024): The murti of Bhagwaness Muthyalamma was desecrated in Kurmaguda near Monda Market; suspect identified as Salman Saleem Thakur from Mumbai.
Shamshabad, Hanuman Temple (November 2024): Navagraha murtis were found broken at the Hanuman Temple in Airport Colony. Massive protests erupted questioning the Congress government’s silence.
Jukal village, Shamshabad Mandal (November 2024): Murtis of Somayya, Choudamma, and Pochamma were desecrated—clothes torn, eyes damaged—allegedly by a group of ten attackers.
Hyderabad, Nampally (October 2024): During Navratri, the murti of Durga was damaged in a pandal at the Exhibition Grounds; the deity’s arm was severed.
Gandhi Nagar, Hyderabad (March 2025): A man walked over a Shiva Lingam wearing footwear and stole sacred items from a temple.
Hindus allege that these recurring incidents point to a targeted pattern of attacks, demanding that authorities classify such desecrations as hate crimes and ensure stringent punishment to deter future acts.
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