Lord Ganesha’s ancient idol in Andhra Pradesh vandalised by miscreants in search of hidden treasure
Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India 
2 April, 2023
Case Summary
In one of Andhra Pradesh’s ancient Ganapati temples in Firangipuram, Guntur, unidentified miscreants broke the stomach part of Lord Ganesh's idol in search of some hidden treasure and fled from the spot. BJP State Secretary Vishnuvardhan Reddy slammed the state government and expressed anger.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
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 not filed
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Unknown
Perpetrators Range
N/A
Perpetrators Gender
unknown
Sources 
