Overview
- Devotees discovered the century-old lingam in the temple pond damaged on Tuesday morning following an attack late Monday night.
- Kakinada district SP Rahul Meena registered a case, formed four special teams, and deployed forensic experts and a dog squad to collect evidence.
- With no CCTV covering the pond area, investigators are analysing footage from nearby locations and suspect a hammer-like weapon was used.
- Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed strict action and ordered stronger security after being briefed by Endowments Minister Anam Ramnarayana Reddy.
- A replacement lingam was consecrated, and the Endowments Ministry signalled closer coordination with the state Archaeology Department as BJP state president PVN Madhav called for a comprehensive probe.