Akiveedu attack: Pedda Peta Ram Mandir closed

Authorities have imposed a ban on the entry of devotees to the Pedda Peta Ram Mandir to maintain religious harmony, following a clash at the temple during the Sriram Navami celebrations on March 27 in Akiveedu mandal of West Godavari district. 

Violence reportedly erupted after a group of people attempted to attack Deputy Speaker R. Raghu Rama Krishna Raju within the Ram Mandir premises during the festivities. In the clash, three persons were injured, while Mr. Raghu Rama Krishna Raju escaped unhurt.

Residents of Pedda Peta have been divided over the Ram Mandir issue, and tension has been simmering ever since Mr. Raghu Rama Krishna Raju recently announced plans to renovate the century-old temple, citing that it is in a dilapidated state. 

Bhimavaram Deputy Superintendent of Police Raghuveer Vishnu told The Hindu on Sunday; “The Ram Mandir has been closed and a ban has been imposed on the entry of devotees to maintain harmony in the wake of the clashes. The temple will remain closed for darshan until further orders from the higher authorities. Police personnel deployment will continue at the Ram mandir until then.”

Criminal conspiracy:

The West Godavari district police have registered cases against the 58 accused, who reportedly were involved in the clash, on the charges including criminal conspiracy, attempt to murder, and promoting enmity and hatred among the locals. The police have intensified the probe into the clash and the alleged attack on the Deputy Speaker following directives from the Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan. As many as 21 accused were arrested and sent to remand on Saturday. 

DSP Raghuveer Vishnu added that investigations are underway and the search for the remaining 37 accused who are absconding is on. “Section 163 of the BNSS, formerly known as Section 144, is in the force across Akiveedu mandal to prevent further clashes over the issue. As of Sunday, the situation is under control and peaceful,” said Mr. Raghuveer Vishnu. 

Meanwhile, the health condition of the three injured in the clash is stable and out of danger. Union Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries Bhupathiraju Srinivas Varma who visited the injured announced that the Ram mandir would be renovated under the aegis of the Vishva Hindu Parishad.