Andhra Pradesh: One held for vandalising Shiva Lingam at Draksharama Temple, CM Naidu orders action

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A Shiva Lingam at the Kapaleswara Swamy shrine near the North Gopuram of the Draksharama Bhimeswara Temple has been allegedly vandalised in BR Ambedkar Konaseema district, Andhra Pradesh, and an accused has been apprehended in this connection,

Police received information about the incident on Tuesday and rushed to the spot, where the Shiv Ling, located near the Koneru (stepped water tank), was found damaged.

"A Shiv Ling was vandalised near the Draksharamam temple's Koneru...upon receiving the information, we have visited the spot," Ramachandrapuram DSP B Raghuveer told PTI.

Based on information from local residents and CCTV footage from the area, police initiated an investigation into the incident, he said. Raghuveer said the accused has been apprehended and a case has been registered.

Prima facie, the police suspect that the Shiva Lingam was damaged using a hammer-like weapon. With no CCTV cameras at the spot, footage from nearby areas is being analysed, according to report by News18.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu spoke to Endowments Minister Anam Ramnarayana Reddy and sought details of the incident, sources said, PTI reported.

The Endowments Minister informed the chief minister that special police teams were formed to probe the incident.

The chief minister directed officials to ensure that those responsible are punished severely and asked officials to keep him informed about the progress of the investigation.