Tensions flared in Hyderabad’s upscale Banjara Hills area on Thursday night after authorities reportedly initiated the demolition of a centuries-old Ammavaru temple at MLA Colony, Road No 12.
The move sparked a wave of emotional protests from devotees and political leaders, including BJP’s Kompella Madhavi Latha.
Devotees, many of them drenched in rain, gathered at the site, pleading with officials to halt the demolition. As the situation escalated, Madhavi Latha reached the spot and engaged with the police, accusing the state government of hurting public sentiment by targeting a religious site.
“The state government demolished a temple and hurt the sentiments of the people. They are not allowing me to protest silently,” she told news agency ANI, adding that the structure was on government land and had been razed the previous night.
Madhavi Latha was forcibly removed from the protest venue and detained by the police along with other BJP leaders. She was later released.
In a post on X, Latha wrote: “The attempt to demolish the centuries-old Ammavaru Temple in Banjara Hills, Road No. 12 (MLA Colony) is heart-wrenching. Devotees, drenched in the rain, are pleading with tears to save the Mother. I too was prevented from entering the temple.”
Describing the demolition as “adharma”, she added, “This is not just a structure. It is our faith, our identity, and our eternal culture.”
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