Ballari tense after meat found on temple premises

Ballari: Tension prevailed in Ballari city on Friday morning after a plastic bag containing meat and bones was found inside the Veera Balanjaneya (Hanuman) Temple premises in Nagalakeri locality.The incident triggered concern among devotees and local residents, prompting swift police action and the registration of a criminal case.
According to police, the parcel was first noticed by the temple priest during the early morning hours. Preliminary investigation suggests that the plastic bag may have been thrown into the temple premises before the priest's arrival. After spotting the meat inside the temple, the priest immediately alerted the police, who rushed to the spot and removed the bag.Following the discovery, a large number of devotees gathered at the temple, suspecting a deliberate attempt to hurt religious sentiments. The situation became tense for some time as residents demanded strict action against those responsible. Police personnel were deployed in and around the temple to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incidents.While several local residents and devotees alleged that the act was intentional, police officials said they were also examining the possibility that the plastic bag may have been carried into the temple premises by street dogs. Officials stated that the matter was under verification and that all angles were being probed.The Veera Balanjaneya Temple is an ancient shrine that also houses idols of Lord Venkateshwara, Lord Ayyappa, and Lord Shiva. During the auspicious Vaikunta Ekadashi festival, thousands of devotees who are unable to visit Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh visit this temple, adding to its religious significance.‘Deliberate act'Right-wing activists alleged that similar incidents occurred in Ballari district in the past and described the situation as a matter of serious concern. They pointed out that the Veera Balanjaneya Temple is a prominent place of worship in the city and attracts a large number of devotees daily.BJP leaders and right-wing activists alleged that miscreants had jumped over the temple's compound wall and threw the plastic bag containing meat into the premises. Though no forensic examination of the meat was conducted so far, they claimed that it was suspected to be beef.Stating that the incident deeply hurt religious sentiments, activists demanded that the accused be identified and arrested within 24 hours and that strict legal action be initiated.Criminal case registeredBallari Range IGP Harsha PS and ASP KP Ravikumar visited the site and inspected the area. Addressing the media, IGP Harsha appealed people to remain calm and said the incident should not be sensationalised. He said a criminal case was registered at the Cowl Bazaar police station and assured that a transparent investigation would be conducted. Police maintained a tight vigil in the area as further investigation continued.