KTR Critiques Telangana Government's Inaction on Temple Priest Assault

Hyderabad, Feb 10 (NationPress) Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. T. Rama Rao has raised concerns regarding the inaction of the Telangana government following the attack on Chilkur Balaji Temple head priest C. S. Rangarajan.

The former minister expressed his frustration on X on Monday, seeking a response from Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.

He criticized the so-called ‘protectors of Hinduism’ for their silence, stating, “Chilkur temple chief priest and esteemed scholar Shri Rangarajan garu was assaulted two days ago by fringe elements. Not a single word from the protectors of Hinduism regarding this cowardly act,” Rama Rao shared.

“There are videos of the attack, and in the span of two days, has the Telangana government taken any action? What a shame! Home Minister? Chief Minister? Does anyone have answers?” KTR, as he is widely known, questioned.

In the meantime, KTR, along with other BRS members, visited Rangarajan at his home. KTR voiced his distress over the incident, indicating a decline in the law and order situation within the state. He emphasized that it is the duty of the state government to act decisively against the offenders, regardless of their motives. He pointed out that if the family of Rangarajan, who is devoted to serving God, faces such violence, it raises concerns for the safety of ordinary citizens in the state. He called for the immediate arrest of the attackers and urged for protection for both Rangarajan and his family.

Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay stated that he had spoken to Rangarajan over the phone to ensure his well-being after the attack. “I am praying for his strength and assured him of any necessary support,” the BJP leader posted on X.

On February 7, members of a group attempting to establish their own interpretation of 'Ram Rajya' assaulted Rangarajan at his residence near Chilkur Balaji Temple in Rangareddy district close to Hyderabad.

The head priest filed a complaint with the Moinabad police on Sunday. The police have arrested Veera Raghava Reddy and are searching for other suspects.

Rangarajan’s complaint indicated that approximately 20 individuals dressed in black invaded his home and assaulted him. Videos of the attack on the priest have circulated widely on social media, showing one individual violently striking the priest.

Chilkur Balaji Temple, often referred to as the ‘Visa Balaji Temple’, is a prominent shrine located in Chilkur, part of the Moinabad mandal near Hyderabad. It holds significance among devotees aiming to pursue higher education and employment abroad.

Soundararajan, the convener of the Temples Protection Movement and Rangarajan's father, stated that a group claiming descent from the Ikshwaku clan and seeking to establish Ram Rajya attacked Rangarajan. He noted that they have formed private armies to punish individuals who oppose their mission or agenda and fail to comprehend the essence of a Constitutional Rama Rajya. The head priest of Chilkur Balaji Temple refused to associate with them.

“They brutally assaulted my son Shri Rangarajan, who also serves as the Archaka of Shri Chilkur Balaji Deity. They physically assaulted him in our residence at Chilkur, which is adjacent to the Shri Chilkur Balaji Temple premises on February 7, Friday,” Soundararajan stated.

He mentioned that Rangarajan has lodged a complaint with the police, who are currently investigating the incident. “We have urged the police to thoroughly investigate and identify those who are supporting these attackers directly or indirectly,” Soundararajan concluded.