300-Year-Old Hindu Temple vandalised by miscreants, seven Hindu idols desecrated
Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India 
16 May, 2025
Case Summary
In Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, a 300-year-old temple named Kondanda Rama Temple, located at Pedda Pallipeta in Gara Mandal, came under attack. Seven Hindu idols in the temple were desecrated by a few unknown miscreants. According to news reports, this Vaishnava temple was renovated with the contributions collected from the local residents. As part of the renovations, idols representing Lord Vishnu’s Dashavataram (10 forms of Lord Vishnu) were installed within the temple premises. However, a few unidentified individuals entered the temple and vandalised the idols of Kalki, Balarama, Sri Rama, Parashurama, Narasimha, Sri Krishna, and Vamana. Following the incident, the temple sweeper discovered the vandalised idols and immediately informed the priests, who then alerted the executive officer (EO). Although two CCTV cameras had been installed on the premises, they proved useless as they had not been functioning for the past 15 days. The EO then lodged a complaint with the Gara police. Srikakulam DSP Ch. Vivekananda responded to the incident, stating that the perpetrators would be identified and arrested soon. A team of police officers inspected the temple and launched an investigation. In the aftermath, the local residents also highlighted a rise in anti-social activities near the temple. In addition to the regular nuisance caused by alcoholics, residents complained about drug peddlers operating in the area, concerns that the police had failed to address. Furthermore, Hindu organisations such as the VHP and Bajrang Dal strongly condemned the incident and demanded strict action against those responsible. Hindu temples and their traditions have come under frequent attack in Andhra Pradesh in recent times, ranging from cow fat being found in Tirupati Laddus to fatalities in stampedes at Tirupati due to government mismanagement. Even the death rate of cows increased in Goshalas in Tirupati, which were run by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).
Why it is Hate Crime ?
This case has been added to the tracker under the prime category- Attack on Hindu religious representations. The sub-category relevant in this case is- Desecration of Hindu religious symbol. 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. The other sub-category relevant in this case is- Attack on Temples. In Hinduism, a temple is the abode of the Deity. The Deity in the Temple is consecrated, thereby, making it a real, breathing entity. Hindus believe that not just the Deity but the temple premises itself are sacred to Hindus since Hindus hold the faith that the entire Temple space is an amalgamation of the divine energy of the deity. Given the central significance of Temples in Hindu Dharma, any attack against a Hindu Temple or its peripheral premises is an attack on the faith itself and is born out of animosity towards the faith, of which, the Temple is a central tenet. Any manner of attack against a Temple and/or its premises would therefore be considered a religiously motivated hate crime. This case has been added to the tracker as it targeted a temple—an institution that holds immense spiritual importance in Hindu tradition. Temples are not merely physical structures; they are sanctified spaces believed to embody divine presence. Acts of violence against such spaces are not isolated incidents of destruction but reflect underlying hostility toward Hindu beliefs and identity. The attack also involves the deliberate desecration of Hindu religious symbols through the vandalism of a Hindu temple and its sacred idols. In Hinduism, deities’ idols are not just artistic representations but are deeply revered manifestations of the divine. Their defilement is seen as a direct affront to the religious sentiments of Hindus and an act of profound disrespect. As this assault was directed at both sacred icons and a consecrated place of worship, it is classified as a religiously motivated hate crime against the Hindu community. In this case, although the miscreants were unknown, regardless, the action stemmed from hatred against Hinduism and resulted in the desecration of the sacred Hindu idols. This action is rooted in disdain for Hindus and their religion. Since this case fits the parameters of a religiously motivated crime, therefore, it's being categorised under the hate crime database.
Case Status
Complaint filed
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Unknown
Perpetrators Range
Unknown
Perpetrators Gender
unknown
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