Karnataka - Bellary   

Goddess Lakshmi’s sculpted image disfigured

BELLARY: In an act of vandalism, the image of Goddess Lakshmi, etched on a boulder in the world famous Hampi, has been disfigured by some miscreants. The incident, which is said to have occurred during the past 48 hours, has come to light on Saturday evening.

The artistically engraved goddess on the boulder was in a stone mantap on the right bank of river Tungabhadra near the Kodanda Rama temple and was difficult to approach. Enquiries revealed that no worship was taking place at that mantap.

As the news about the disfigurement spread, a pro-Hindu group, comprising youths from Hampi and surrounding places, including Hospet city, staged a demonstration to register their protest against the failure of the authorities in protecting the ancient Hindu monuments and temples.

Tension gripped for some time when a group came towards the office of the State Archaeology and Museums near the Royal Enclosure, and started shouting slogans and pelted stones at the building damaging window panes. They were also demanding action against the guilty besides taking steps to protect the monuments.

Police, on getting the information, rushed to the spot and pacified the demonstrators. Seemant Kumar Singh, Superintendent of Police, who visited the place along with other police officers, told The Hindu that he had issued notices to the State Archaeology Department to arrange for posting of guards at various places in Hampi.

Meanwhile, the Save Hampi Committee has given a call for Hampi bandh on Monday to protest against the disfigurement and to pressure the State Government to take steps to protect the monuments at Hampi besides initiating action against those responsible for the vandalism.

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