Case registered after religious symbols painted on wall of Arakeshwara temple in K R Nagar

Mysuru (PTI): The painting of religious symbols associated with other faiths on the compound wall of the historic Arakeshwara temple in K R Nagar taluk has sparked controversy, with a case registered against two persons.

The incident drew sharp criticism from the opposition BJP, which attacked the state government over the issue.

According to locals, a red cross and images of a mosque in green were found painted on the compound wall of the ancient temple, a prominent religious site in the region that recently underwent renovation.

Locals objected to the paintings, alleging that they were intended to hurt the sanctity of the religious site. They demanded immediate action against those responsible.

Following objections and protests, K R Nagar Tahsildar Surendra Murthy visited the temple and inspected the site. Steps were subsequently taken to erase the paintings from the wall.

A case has been registered at the K R Nagar police station against the temple's parupatyegara (person in charge of temple administration), Arathi, and the artist who allegedly painted the symbols, identified as Vinay.

Police are investigating the case and have taken precautionary measures to prevent any untoward incidents on the temple premises, officials said.

State BJP president B Y Vijayendra condemned the painting of other religious symbols within the premises of the Arakeshwara Swamy Temple in K R Nagar, alleging that it violated Hindu traditions and undermined the sanctity of a sacred centre of Sanatana Dharma.

"This is an act of arrogance that reflects a lack of sensitivity and awareness. The conduct of officials who have attempted to override the rituals, traditions and practices of Hindu temples in the name of religious harmony, coupled with the silence of this Tughlaq government on the issue, amounts to a betrayal of devotees’ sentiments," he claimed in a post on X, adding, "it has exposed the government’s hypocrisy and revealed its true face."

Questioning why such acts, which he claimed were not seen at other places of worship, were being imposed exclusively on Hindu beliefs, Vijayendra asked Chief Minister D K Shivakumar to ensure appropriate action against those responsible.

"If his government fails to take appropriate action against such perverse acts and provocations by those who mistake the peaceful nature of Hindus for weakness, people may be forced to take matters into their own hands," he added.

"Harmony is a principle that must apply equally to all religions. Ever since the Congress government came to power, there have been continued attempts to disregard Sanatana traditions and the religious rights of devotees," Vijayendra claimed.

"In the present case, it is not enough for the tahsildar to merely remove the symbols afterwards. I demand an immediate investigation into the actions of those responsible for this provocative act, their arrest, and strict legal action against them," he said.

"Such arrogance, which plays with the religious beliefs of people, is unforgivable," Vijayendra added.

Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly R Ashoka also criticised the Congress government.

"Shame on CM Shivakumar and Home Minister Priyank Kharge. Why are mosque and cross symbols being painted within the sacred precincts of the historic Arakeshwara Temple? Who passed this government order? Who authorised this? Would the Congress government ever permit Trishuls or Om symbols to be painted inside a mosque or a church?" he asked.

Asserting that Hindu temples deserved respect and protection, Ashoka said any decision altering Hindu sacred spaces required transparency, sensitivity and accountability.

"No government should take Hindu sentiments for granted. The Hindus of Karnataka deserve answers. Those responsible must be held accountable," he added.