Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP)

Mangaluru, Mar 4: Hindu organizations staged protests in front of Kotekar town panchayat, urging swift action against the accused responsible for demolishing the under-construction Bhandaramane of Kondana temple. Advocate and Hindu community leader Jagadish Shenava alleged a conspiracy to facilitate a quick bail for the accused, expressing concern over weak criminal sections being applied.

Addressing the gathering, Shenava criticized the alleged preferential treatment, drawing a parallel with a past incident where an attempted murder case was filed against a Hindu activist who attacked someone that had insulted religious sentiments. He claimed that political pressure led to the quick release of the accused in the recent case.

Hindu organization leader Radhakrishna Adyantaya voiced suspicions of influential figures playing a role in expediting the bail process for those accused of demolishing the Kondaramane building. Adyantaya emphasized the emotional attachment of the Hindu community to the temple, stressing that the sentiments of devotees cannot be disregarded.

Former president of the temple management committee, Krishna Shetty Tamar, accused Gurikar Muthanna Shetty, the primary suspect in the demolition, of longstanding corruption. He lamented Shetty's unfulfilled promises to contribute to the temple's growth despite assurances made in the presence of the district religious parishad.

Gopal Kuthar, regional co-service head of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Jithendra Shetty Talapadiguthu, president of Kondana Brahmakalashotsava Samithi, and various BJP leaders participated in the protest. The demonstrators submitted a memorandum to Assistant Commissioner Harsha, representing the deputy commissioner, and later conducted a prayer for divine intervention to punish the guilty.

Police were present to maintain security and prevent any untoward incidents during the demonstration. The protesters called for accountability and justice in response to the demolition of the sacred building, expressing their commitment to the preservation of religious structures.