ANANTAPUR: Unidentified individuals allegedly set fire to a chariot at Sri Rama Temple in Hanakanahal village, Kanekal mandal in Anantapur District. The incident took place late on Tuesday night. On noticing the smoke, locals rushed to the spot and tried to douse the flames. However, by the time the blaze could be brought under control, more than half the chariot had been destroyed.
Kalyandurgam Division DSP Ravibabu and his team reached the village on receiving the information and launched an investigation. The DSP inspected the scene and registered a criminal case. Four special teams have been formed to apprehend those responsible. Authorities said they have collected clues from the crime scene.
Condemning the incident, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu ordered a comprehensive investigation and demanded the immediate arrest of the culprits. He held a meeting over the issue and instructed officials to provide regular updates on the case progress.
On the Chief Minister’s orders, District Collector Dr Vinod Kumar V and SP P Jagadeesh inspected the temple car shed, where the incident took place. Kumar said a thorough inquiry has been taken up.
Speaking to mediapersons, he said though the incident occurred between 12:35 am and 12:45 am, locals managed to extinguish the fire quickly.
CCTV cameras to be installed at all temples
A police report has been filed and the investigation is already underway, he said, adding that authorities are monitoring the law and order situation in the village. No disturbances have been reported, the Collector noted.
Stating that officials are focusing on identifying individuals involved in suspicious activities, he asserted that action will be taken against them.
Further, Kumar announced that CCTV cameras will be installed at major temples and places of worship across the district to enhance security. Moreover, public awareness programmes about temple safety are being organised across three circles in the district, he added.