HRF seeks fair probe into violence at Pedda Peta Ram Mandir

In a statement issued on Monday, forum members said that a fact-finding committee comprising of HRF vice-president A. Ravi, State general secretary Y. Rajesh, general secretary G. Rohit and East Godavari executive committee member, M. Srinivas Rao, visited Pedda Peta on March 29, 2026.

They said; “The committee observed that a choultry (a traditional rest house attached to a temple where pilgrims can stay) has been functioning in the village since 1920. A temple dedicated to for onthenamma, a community deity (kula devata) for the locals, a Nandi idol, and idols of Lord Rama and his consort Sita Devi, are also present in the controversial structure. “

According to the HRF leaders, on March 7, Deputy Speaker K. Raghu Rama Krishna Raju, visited the temple along with some RSS leaders and announced that a Ramalayam would be constructed at the same site, which was opposed by a section of locals. Trouble broke out when some RSS and Dalits members attacked each other. Following the clashes, the police registered cases against both the parties.

The HRF leaders added that later, a few persons posted objectionable comments on social media groups targeting the locals. Tensions further peaked in the village and on March 27, when the Deputy Speaker visited the temple during Srirama Navami festival, a scuffle broke out between the two opposing groups.

HRF general secretary G. Rohit said; “The Akiveedu police have registered cases against 58 Dalits, of whom 27 have been arrested and sent to jail.” He demanded the release of the innocent people.

The HRF also appealed to the government to probe the history of the choultry-cum-temple and the cause of violence in Akiveedu.