Muslims In Telangana forcibly remove statue of Saint Kanaka Haridas installed by Hindus on a private land
Jogulamba Gadwal, Telangana, India 
21 May, 2024
Case Summary
In Gorlakhandoddi, Gattu Mandal of Telangana, a group of Muslims forcibly removed a statue of Saint Kanaka Haridas that was set to be unveiled on May 22, 2024. The statue, installed on private land in Jogulamba Gadwal district, is revered by the Kuruwa community. The natives of the Indian states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Kuruwa community are Hindu castes. It is the third-largest caste group in Karnataka. During the unveiling ceremony, which began with Puja at 4 am, local Muslims disrupted the event at 7 am and took down the statue. Local Hindus assert that the statue was legally installed on privately owned land, with all necessary documentation. However, some Muslim families opposed it, claiming it obstructed access to their homes, despite there being roads on two sides of their houses. The main objection seemed to be the presence of a Hindu idol near their residences. The accused include individuals named Mohammad, Mabusaab, Imam, Ranju and Nawab. Dr Shashidhar, joint secretary of Vishwa Hindu Parishad Telangana, condemned the act and called for the police to arrest and punish the culprits. He criticised the state Congress government for supporting the radical Muslims.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
According to the case details, 'Desecration of Hindu religious symbol' is the sub-category under the prime category 'Attack on Hindu religious symbols' under which this case has been listed. Icons and symbols or a religious representation of a spiritual ideal are widely revered in Hinduism. Iconography is of vital significance in the Hindu milieu. It helps connect people’s spiritual beliefs with the real world. Iconography within the Hindu faith takes several shapes and forms. Murtis are of most significance to Hindus, to which daily rituals, prayers and offerings are done. Besides the murtis, there are several other symbols which have deep significance in the Hindu faith – the Om and Swastika for example. Since these Hindu religious symbols hold paramount importance in Hinduism, any desecration of symbols, icons, murtis, religious representations and manifestations, is driven by animosity towards the faith itself which manifests itself through these murtis, icons and symbols. Therefore, any desecration of these Hindu religious symbols and representations is considered religiously motivated hate crimes under this category.
Case Status
Complaint filed
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Muslim Extremists
Perpetrators Range
Unknown
Perpetrators Gender
unknown
Sources 
