Video of deity at Durga temple goes viral, probe ordered

PNS|Vijayawada

The video of deity of Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam, atop the Indrakeeladri went viral on social media on Tuesday. The video was shot by an unidentified woman on December 22 and this came to limelight after the woman posted it on her Instagram account. The act amounts to desecration.

After the video went viral, the temple authorities complained to the Vijayawada One Town police station on Tuesday. Soon after, the police started the investigation into the shooting of Goddess Durga Devi’s video.

Police and temple authorities verified the temple’s CC camera footage. They found that Santha Kumar, a woman devotee, shot the video on December 22 at 9.53 am when she came for the darshan. She had the darshan through the Rs 300 queue line.

However, temple Executive Officer (EO) D Bhramarambha ordered a probe into the issue.

Later, speaking to media persons, she said a notice will be served to the security agency seeking an explanation as to why the contracting agency should not be terminated.

She said that temple security would have to be strengthened as it can be reached through nine routes. Also, restrictions will be imposed on the use of mobile phones on the lines of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), she said.

She admitted that several devotees carry mobiles, despite a ban on them on the temple premises. A cell phone deposit centre would be arranged soon, she added. A proposal would be sent to the State government and the Endowments department, she said.