Protest erupts in Hyderabad over damage to Goddess Durga idol | VIDEO

Protest over damaged Durga idol: Tensions escalated in Hyderabad on Friday following the partial damage of a Goddess Durga idol at a Durga Puja pandal in Nampally. Unidentified miscreants vandalized the idol, igniting protests among the local community.

What actually happened in Nampally Exhibition Grounds?

The incident occurred at the Nampally Exhibition Grounds, situated within the jurisdiction of the Begum Bazar police station. According to Assistant Commissioner of Police (Abids) A. Chandrasekhar, one of the idol's arms was damaged during the early hours of Friday.

“We have initiated an investigation, and CCTV footage is currently under review,” the official stated.

Immediate restoration and response, video surfaces

The idol has since been repaired, allowing worship to continue at the pandal. However, the vandalism incited outrage among devotees, prompting them to block a main road in Nampally in protest.

#WATCH | Telangana: People stage protest at Nampally’s main road over the damage to goddess Durga idol as some unidentified persons moved the hundi (donation box) aside at a Durga Puja pandal at Nampally Exhibition Grounds in Hyderabad's Begum Bazar police station limits. pic.twitter.com/i25VKr7lfA

— ANI (@ANI) October 11, 2024

Political leaders condemn the act

BJP leader Madhavi Latha visited the site to express her condemnation of the attack. She warned that continued assaults on Hindu places of worship would result in retaliation. “It is time for all Hindus to retaliate for the ongoing acts of vandalism. They may think they can break us, but such actions are only uniting us further. I warn them,” she asserted.

The Begum Bazar police have registered a case and are actively investigating the incident.