A man allegedly attacked a priest and struck the idol of Goddess Santoshi Mata with sticks at a temple in Hyderabad on Friday, with the incident captured on CCTV. The incident took place at the Santoshi Mata Temple located beside the Dilsukhnagar Bus Depot. According to the details available, the man allegedly entered the temple and attacked the priest before using sticks to strike the idol. The incident was witnessed by people present at the temple, who intervened after noticing what was happening.

Those present at the temple caught the man following the alleged attack and handed him over to the police. Some people reportedly thrashed him before the police took him into custody. The accused was detained for further investigation as police began examining the circumstances surrounding the incident. A case has been registered in connection with the alleged attack, and authorities are investigating the sequence of events inside the temple.

Police are also conducting a medical examination of the accused as part of the inquiry. A mental health check-up is being carried out as well, although authorities have not indicated that any medical or mental health condition was responsible for the incident. The motive behind the alleged attack was not immediately clear. Investigators are expected to examine the available CCTV footage and other information as they seek to establish what led to the confrontation at the temple.

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The incident triggered reactions from Bharatiya Janata Party leaders in Telangana, who questioned the state government's handling of security at religious institutions. Telangana BJP president N Ramchander Rao criticised the government over the incident and alleged that its approach to religious issues had contributed to an atmosphere in which such incidents could occur. He said the state government had a responsibility to ensure the safety of religious institutions and called for accountability in connection with the incident.

Goshamehal MLA T Raja Singh also called for an impartial investigation into the alleged attack. He said strict legal action should be taken if the accused is found guilty. Singh also questioned Chief Minister Revanth Reddy over the protection provided to Hindu temples and devotees in Telangana, making the incident a subject of wider political reaction in the state.

The police investigation remains underway, with the accused detained and a case already registered. Authorities are examining the circumstances of the alleged attack, while the medical examination and mental health check-up are also being conducted. The motive has not yet been established, and further details are expected to emerge as investigators assess the evidence and determine the appropriate legal action in the case.

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