The Siddapur Police have arrested eight persons in connection with the alleged construction of a Mazar (Islamic Tomb) inside the premises of Sri Siddeshwara Temple, located within the reserve forest near Maldare.
According to the police, a complaint was lodged at the Siddapur Police Station alleging that a tomb had been constructed by members of another community within the temple premises. On July 26, members of various pro-Hindu organisations staged a protest at the temple, alleging illegal construction of the tomb and demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible. A formal complaint was subsequently submitted to the Siddapur Police.
Acting on the complaint, Siddapur Police conducted an investigation under the guidance of Superintendent of Police Bindumani and Madikeri Deputy Superintendent of Police Suraj. The investigation was led by Circle Inspector Chandrashekhar and Police Inspector Manjunath of Siddapur Police Station.
The police took into custody Muzamil (32), Ashvik Pasha (28), Rashid Khan (30), Syed Sadiq (34), Alam Sharif (19), Tanjeev Pasha (30), Mansur Pasha (33) and Nisar Ahmed (33), all residents of Ayarabeedu village in Periyapatna taluk. They were questioned and further legal proceedings have been initiated.
Police also seized two vehicles allegedly used by the accused to reach the temple situated within the reserve forest.
Following the protest by Hindu organisations and their demand for surveillance measures, the Forest Department has installed CCTV cameras along the road leading to Sri Siddeshwara Temple. Two forest personnel have also been deployed during the daytime to patrol and guard the area.
It is learnt that night patrols have also been intensified, with forest personnel conducting regular surveillance in a department vehicle to prevent unauthorised entry into the reserve forest. Meanwhile, officials of the Kushalnagar Forest Range have also registered a separate case against certain individuals for illegally entering the temple located within the reserve forest.
