'Mentally unsound' Karnataka man held for desecration of Hyderabad temple

HYDERABAD: A 26-year-old vendor was arrested on Sunday for alleged desecration of a place of worship in Hyderabad's Safilguda. Cops said the incident took place around 8.30 pm on Saturday when the man, who had come from Bidar in Karnataka a month ago, allegedly entered the Katta Maisamma temple and resorted to an indecent act before the idol. "We contacted police in Bidar and found there are no criminal cases against him. But there is a document certified by Bidar authorities that he is not mentally sound," said an officer, adding that the accused would be taken into police custody, after seeking the court's permission, to ascertain his mental condition and know how he reached the temple and why he was involved in the alleged offence. A purported video of the accused being confronted by locals, after he allegedly defecated near the temple's entrance, has gone viral on social media platforms, leading to dozens of protesters gathering and demanding strict action. Telangana BJP chief N Ramchander Rao, who joined the crowd, alleged the Congress govt has failed to initiate any action against those responsible for such offences. "Hindus are under threat.

We will initiate a cultural movement," he said.