Tension arose in Akividu town, Andhra Pradesh, as police detained leaders of certain groups en route to demand a temple’s construction for a local deity. Hindu organizations’ call for a rally led to additional police deployment and prohibitory orders in the town. Authorities warned of strict action against violators and set up checkposts to prevent disturbances.
Actress Karate Kalyani was detained by police in Eluru district while supporting the temple construction demand. Despite being prevented from reaching Akividu, she urged her supporters not to lose hope. Previously, Deputy Speaker K. Raghu Rama Krishna Raju faced an attack after garlanding an idol of Lord Ram, sparking tensions between Hindus and Dalits in the area.
A month-long dispute has centered around a structure believed to be a temple since 1932, housing the deity Gonthenamma. The Human Rights Forum revealed that the site is historically an inn with added idols. Allegations suggest a conversion attempt of the Gonthenamma shrine into a Ram temple, involving TDP MLA Raghu Rama Krishna Raju and Hindu groups.
