Idols at a temple in Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari were found vandalised for the third time, with villagers alleging that a Christian priest’s remarks against the temple incited the attacks.
The first incidence of vandalism was reported on December 25, when a man identified as Sajin broke the main idol of Isakkiyamman temple in Thottuthuvilai near Viyannur. Following a police complaint, he was arrested but later released on bail. However, on December 29, Sajin, along with a group of accomplices, allegedly vandalised the temple again, damaging the compound wall.
According to sources from the police, during questioning, Sajin is said to have claimed that a Christian priest told him the temple was the “abode of Satan” and that it should be destroyed.
The most recent attack occurred on January 1 at around 11 pm, when Sajin and five others reportedly entered the temple and broke more idols. Hearing the commotion, villagers rushed to the spot, causing the group to flee.
The repeated vandalism garnered widespread attention after videos of the vandalised temple were widely shared on social media.
Rishi, a local resident, told reporters, “This is an ancient temple that we renovated and have been worshipping at for the past 12 years. Sajin first fought with others and broke the Amman idol. After being released on bail, he returned and damaged the compound wall. Just yesterday, he was released again, and the same night, he destroyed the Madan idol. He claims he won’t allow the temple to exist because his priest told him so. We want protection for our temple and our people.”
Police are searching for Sajin and his associates.
Sajin is the son of Krishnan, whose brother Sundar reportedly owns the land on which the temple is built. Allegedly, Sundar and Krishnan had recurring disputes over property division.