AP Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, BRS Executive President K T Rama Rao and Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay have strongly condemned mob attack on Chilkur Balaji Temple chief priest Rangarajan and demanded strict action against the culprits.
Pawan Kalyan said that this attack should not be considered as an attack on an individual but as an attack on the protection of Dharma. He recalled that for several decades, Rangarajan has been striving and fighting to protect Dharma, the heritage traditions and sanctity of temples.
He said that the police should find out the reasons behind the attack on Rangarajan by a mob claiming to be members of an organization called Rama Rajyam. He asked that the person leading the mob be identified and punished severely. He asked the Telangana government to take this attack seriously.
He recalled that Rangarajan had given him valuable suggestions for the protection of Sanatana Dharma and had informed him at what stage the program called ‘Temple Movement’ had to be started.
He said that he is very keen on the management of Hindu temples and the protection of Dharma. He directed the Telangana unit of the Jana Sena Party to go to Chilukuru and visit Rangarajan and extend support to him.
Responding to this incident, BRS Working President KTR went to Rangarajan’s residence on Monday and asked about the details of the attack. He was furious that the attack on Rangarajan was a very heinous act and deplored that there was no law and order in the state. He objected that insulting Rangarajan is insulting God.
He made it clear that there is not a single word from the Hindu religious protectors on this cowardly act. Though there are videos related to the attack, he wondered has the Telangana government done anything in two days? He asked where the Home Minister was.. Chief Minister..? Moreover, he deplored self-styled defenders of Dharma who are silent about the attack.
KTR demanded that the accused involved in the attack on Rangarajan be severely punished and security be increased near the Chilukuru Balaji temple. On behalf of the BRS party, he assured them that they would stand by Rangarajan’s family.
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay contacted Rangarajan over telephone and inquired about the incident. He expressed his solidarity and assured his support to him.
Meanwhile, the police have identified 17 people in the attack on Rangarajan, out of the total 22 attackers. Seven were from Telangana and 10 from Andhra Pradesh. Veera Raghava Reddy is the main accused in this incident, who was already taken into custody and sent to remand. Also, five followers of Veera Raghav Reddy were arrested by Moinabad police. Search operations have also been launched for those who are absconding.