Hindu temple targeted, deity's idol desecrated and banner damaged by miscreant in Hyderabad, Telangana
Hyderabad, Telangana, India 
13 January, 2026
Case Summary
In Hyderabad, Telangana, a Hindu temple named Puranapool Darwaza Mysamma Temple was targeted, and a religious banner and the idol of a Hindu deity were desecrated by an unidentified miscreant. According to reports, this occurred on 14 January 2026. The accused entered the temple and partially damaged a flexi banner and a Plaster of Paris idol of the deity located in the temple veranda. This incident resulted in an attack on a chilla, a Sufi shrine, and an attack on the police by angry locals. The Kamatipura Police responded promptly to the incident, registering a case and collecting evidence from the scene, including CCTV footage. Investigating officers reported that significant information about the accused who attacked the temple was obtained, and an arrest was expected soon. Two FIRs were lodged in connection with the incident. The police also registered a separate case regarding the attacks on law enforcement and the damage to the religious site (chilla). Officials emphasised that the perpetrators were identified based on CCTV and video recordings. The police stated that only the flexi banner and the Plaster of Paris idol on the temple veranda suffered partial damage. The main idols inside the sanctum sanctorum remained intact and were not affected. Officials urged the public not to believe or spread unfounded information regarding the incident, warning that legal action would be taken against those spreading fake news or attempting to disturb public order through social media platforms. The Hyderabad Police reported that the situation in the area was completely under control and advised citizens not to panic. Law enforcement reiterated its commitment to taking action against anyone found disrupting law and order. Additional forces, including personnel of the Rapid Action Force, were deployed, and patrolling was intensified, besides placing pickets. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen president and Hyderabad Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi visited the area and spoke to police officials. Telangana Bharatiya Janata Party President N Ramchander Rao, who visited the temple, attacked the ruling Congress over the incident, stating this was not an isolated incident, but part of a disturbing and recurring pattern of temple desecrations in Telangana.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
The primary category selected in this case is- Attack on Hindu religious representations. The subcategory selected is- Desecration of Hindu religious symbols. 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 subcategory selected 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. In this case, the desecration of a sacred idol and religious banner in the Puranapool Darwaza Mysamma Temple in Hyderabad, Telangana, constituted a religiously motivated hate crime. An unidentified miscreant targeted this revered Hindu site, partially damaging a flexi banner and a Plaster of Paris idol of the deity. This direct assault struck at the faith and sentiments of the Hindu community. The precision of the attack on the temple, a sacred space for Hindu worship, revealed deliberate religious hatred rather than random vandalism, provoking tensions that led to subsequent attacks on a chilla (Sufi shrine) and police. The idol and banner represented core symbols of Hindu devotion to the deity Mysamma, commanding profound reverence from worshippers who cherish such icons as embodiments of the divine. In Hinduism, murtis (idols) serve as consecrated vessels inviting the deity's presence, enabling tangible connection through rituals and offerings; they embody the eternal divine in physical form, sustaining daily worship and spiritual life for millions. In this case, the accused entered the temple specifically to damage the idols, exposing vicious animosity towards essential Hindu beliefs and practices. This calculated desecration extended beyond property damage, striking at the spiritual essence of Hindu identity and worship, marking it as blatant anti-Hindu hate designed to inflict emotional injury on devotees. Attacking the idol and banner amounted to an assault not just on religious symbols but on the Hindu temple as a whole, a holy sanctuary embodying faith and cultural heritage. The entire act showcased that the attack was premeditated rather than isolated, demonstrating intent rooted in animosity against Hindu sacred spaces. By violating this protected site, the perpetrator aimed to terrorise and demoralise the Hindu community, fitting the precise definition of a hate crime driven by religious malice. In this case, even though the perpetrator's identity remained unknown, the act demonstrated deep-seated hatred. Attacks like this, desecrating sacred Hindu temples and revered symbols such as deity idols and religious banners, stemmed directly from religious animosity against Hindus. Therefore, this case was added to the hate crime database of the Hinduphobia Tracker.
Case Status
Complaint registered
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Unknown
Perpetrators Range
One Person
Perpetrators Gender
unknown
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