In a distressing incident, as reported by News 18 Kannada, a miscreant targeted the 800-year-old Chola-era Sri Kalleshwara Swamy temple, located in Nittoor village of Gubbi taluk, Tumkur district of Karnataka. The temple, classified as a C-grade establishment under the Religious Endowment Department, fell victim to arson today, with the iconic chariot set ablaze.
The villagers initially expressed concern that the fire seemed to have originated from an electrical short circuit. Furthermore, they had suspected the presence of an incendiary device made of flammable material at the scene. According to observers from Puragrama, Renukappa, and Shantaraju, the accused had placed coconut husks alongside the chariot and set them on fire. Subsequently, villagers apprehended the accused and handed them over to the police.
Authorities revealed that the temple’s annual fair, scheduled to commence on March 20th, now faces uncertainty due to the destructive act perpetrated against this revered religious site. It is estimated that around 20 lakh rupees have been lost due to the burning of the chariot of the ancient Kalleshwara temple. A case has been registered at the Gubbi Police Station under IPC Section 436 for public property damage. The police have taken proactive measures to prevent any untoward incidents in the village.
Prompt action from vigilant villagers led to the apprehension of a 35-year-old perpetrator from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. Investigations unveiled that the perpetrator was a wall painter by profession, had been residing in the village and engaging in odd jobs following the departure of his companions to their hometown. Based on The Hindu’s report, the law enforcement officials disclosed that the accused, reportedly grappling with mental health issues, acted alone in executing the attack. Witnesses recounted how the perpetrator brazenly entered the temple premises before igniting the temple chariot. Despite bystanders’ attempts to extinguish the flames, the fire ravaged the historic chariot.
The incident has reverberated throughout the local community, underscoring the susceptibility of treasured cultural heritage sites to such malicious acts. Recent events unfolding in Karnataka and Bharat do not appear isolated but rather anti-Hindu in nature. Numerous cases are being witnessed on a daily basis, instilling fear and concern among the Hindu community.
