Andhra police arrests temple priest & 2 men with alleged TDP link in idol vandalism case

A Special Investigation Team constituted by Andhra Presh police to probe  vandalism of Subramanya Swamy idol in Rajahmahendravaram on Sunday arrested temple priest along with two men with alleged links to Opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP). 

accused M Venkata Raju and Dantuluri Venkatapati Raju, allegedly associated with TDP, were arrested along with priest Venkata Murali Krishna by Andhra Presh Police for ir alleged involvement in desecration of idol. 

According to SIT, temple priest vandalised Hindu idol at Vinayaka in return for money offered by two men who have links with Chandrababu Naidu-led party. Police have said that links established between accused and political outfit, and subsequent propaganda run against YSRCP government over desecration of temples, "expose malafide intent" of TDP. 

RE | Andhra Police Arrests 15 Persons In 9 Temple Vandalism Cases, BJP & TDP Links Found

Andhra Police forms SIT to probe temple attacks

incident took place on December 31 when idol of Subramanya Swamy at Vinakaya Temple was found broken, and a complaint was registered by priest against unkwn persons for damaging idol. local police h dispatched 8 different teams to investigate a slew of attacks on temples and a separate team to investigate matter of Vinayaka temple, where temple priest is found to have desecrated idol in return for money from alleged TDP members. 

RE | Andhra Presh Government Constitutes 16-member SIT To Probe Recent Attacks On Temples

Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy h earlier accused Opposition party of being core conspirators of attacks on temples in state. He h stated that nine such incidents were executed around launch of important government schemes to sabot programs.

tably, incident at Rajahmahendravaram occurred on December 31 when state government was distributing 30-lakh house pattas to poor under its flagship housing scheme.

RE | 'CM Jagan Betrayer Of Hindus; May Be Christian': Chandrababu Naidu Slams Idol Desecration

RE | Andhra CM Lays Foundation For Rebuilding 9 Temples; TDP Dubs It As Diversionary Tactic