TD, BJP activists behind temple attacks: AP DGP

In a major breakthrough, the Andhra Pradesh police arrested 15 persons with political affiliation to Telugu Desam and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in connection with the recent offences at various temples across the State.

The police, after thorough investigation into nine cases, identified 21 persons directly involved in desecration of idols and statues or spreading false news of attacks on temples.

Of them, 17 belonged to the principal Opposition while the remaining four were affiliated to BJP. Six accused are absconding.

The development gives credence to the government's contention that the series of attacks on temples or desecration of idols were part of a larger game-plan to disturb communal harmony in the State and reap political benefits.

Briefing media persons, Director General of Police Gautam Sawang said a deliberate attempt was made by vested interests belonging to the political parties to create unrest in the State.

He appealed to people to cooperate with the Special Investigation Team constituted to probe into the attacks and provide further information about the incidents on mobile No: 93929-03400.

The DGP appealed to the political parties to refrain their cadre from indulging in such wrongful acts and warned of stern action against people behind the conspiracy, irrespective of how influential they were.

As the opposition parties may dismiss the arrests as part of political vendetta and show them in poor light, the police claimed that they carried out the investigation in a scientific manner and gathered incriminating evidence against the accused.

The DGP, who has been personally monitoring the investigation, directed the officials to take the cases to their logical conclusion and as early as possible.