CCTV footage from the Santoshi Mata Temple, located beside the Dilsukhnagar Bus Depot, captured a lone individual brandishing sticks, hurling them at the goddess’s idol and then striking a priest.
Three devotees who were present seized the attacker, handcuffed him, and escorted him to the nearest police station before authorities could intervene.
Chief Police Officer Sandeep Rao confirmed that the accused has been registered under the IPC for assault and will undergo a medical and psychiatric examination before the investigation proceeds.
BJP Telangana president N Ramchander Rao criticized the state government, saying that inadequate security at religious sites has created a climate where such incidents can occur. He demanded the council take immediate action.
MLA T Raja Singh called for an impartial inquiry, insisting on strict legal action if the accused is found guilty, and questioned Chief Minister Revanth Reddy about the state’s protection measures for temples.
Police will file the formal charge sheet by Thursday and the court is expected to schedule a hearing within the next fortnight, according to Officer Rao.