Protesting Shivamogga’s demolition of temple structure

Villagers protested in Anupinakatte, Lord Shiva on Tuesday. |Picture source: Special arrangement

Officials from the Ministry of Water Resources recently demolished the structure of a temple on the grounds of Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Limited in Anupinakatte near Shivamogga on Tuesday, amid protests from villagers.

Villagers who opposed the demolition claimed that they had been praying for years to the god Chowdeshwari in the temple. However, the police continued to act in the presence of the police.

TT Tippa Naik, assistant executive engineer (Upper Tunga Project) told Hindu The structure exists on the land of KNNL and is removed as ordered by the Karnataka High Court. “We seek police protection to eliminate the structure,” he said.

Legislators Sharada Puryanaik and Sn Channabasappa visit Anupinakatte in Shivamogga. |Picture source: Special arrangement

Meanwhile, Shivamogga rural MLA Sharada Puryanaik and Shivamogga MLA SN Channabasappa visited the scene. Legislators argued that officers hurt villagers’ emotions by removing structures. They also met Deputy Commissioner Gurudatta Hegade and asked for the reconstruction of the temple.