What Happened to Telangana's Bhadrachalam Temple EO During Land Dispute?
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Synopsis
In a shocking incident, the Executive Officer of the Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple was assaulted while attempting to reclaim encroached lands. This attack raises serious questions about temple land security and the ongoing battle against illegal constructions.
Key Takeaways
- Executive Officer assaulted during a site inspection.
- Encroachment continues despite court orders.
- Government intervention is sought to resolve the issue.
- Temple lands valued at crores are threatened.
- Incident highlights the need for stronger protections for sacred sites.
Hyderabad, July 8 (NationPress) The Executive Officer of the Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple located in Bhadrachalam, Telangana, faced an assault by local villagers in Purushothapatnam village in Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday while attempting to halt illegal constructions on encroached temple property.
During the violent encounter, Executive Officer L. Rama Devi lost consciousness due to the assault. Subsequently, she was taken to a private hospital in Bhadrachalam for treatment.
The renowned Ram temple in Bhadrachalam spans 890 acres in Purushothapatnam, a village that was reassigned to Andhra Pradesh following the state's bifurcation in 2014.
Despite a directive from the Andhra Pradesh High Court for the restoration of the land to the temple, encroachments have persistently continued.
On Tuesday, the EO visited the village, which now falls under the Etapaka 'Mandal' (revenue block) of Alluri Sitharamaraju district in Andhra Pradesh, to evaluate the situation and halt ongoing constructions. However, she and her accompanying temple staff were confronted and attacked by the encroachers. An outsourcing employee from the temple also fell ill and was admitted to the hospital.
Konda Surekha, the Endowment Minister of Telangana, condemned the attack on the Executive Officer, asserting that such violence against temple officials would not be tolerated.
The minister indicated that the Preventive Detention Act would be enacted against those who have illegally occupied temple land and urged Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to intervene and resolve the matter.
The temple lands, valued at crores of rupees, are situated merely two kilometers from the temple town of Bhadrachalam along the banks of the Godavari River and have faced encroachment threats for several decades.
Following the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, only the town of Bhadrachalam and the temple remained in Telangana, while surrounding villages were transferred to Andhra Pradesh through an amendment to the AP Reorganisation Act, citing their proximity to the submergence areas of the Polavaram major irrigation project being constructed across the Godavari River.
Although Purushothapatnam village is located very close to the Bhadrachalam temple, it has also become part of Andhra Pradesh.
Point of View
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in managing temple lands, especially post-bifurcation. It raises critical issues about the protection of sacred sites and the enforcement of judicial orders. The incident also highlights the need for clear policies and stronger measures to safeguard such lands, ensuring that similar attacks do not recur.
NationPress
25/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the attack on the temple EO?
The Executive Officer was attacked while attempting to halt illegal constructions on encroached temple land in Purushothapatnam village.
What is the significance of the Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple?
The temple is a renowned religious site in Bhadrachalam, Telangana, and holds significant cultural and historical importance.
What measures are being taken against the encroachers?
The Telangana Endowment Minister has indicated that the Preventive Detention Act will be invoked against those who have encroached on temple land.
How has the court responded to the encroachments?
The Andhra Pradesh High Court has directed that the encroached land should be restored to the temple.
What impact does this incident have on temple land security?
This incident raises significant concerns about the security of temple lands and the effectiveness of legal protections in place.
