The National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA) – workshop at Chennai from October 31st to November 2nd 2023 (1)

The National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities  (NMMA) – workshop at Chennai from October 31^st to November 2^nd 2023 (1)

NMMA workshop first day programme 31-10-2023

National Database of all Monuments and Antiquities: With the objective of preparing a national database of all monuments and antiquities, the National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA) was launched by the Government 36 (2007), initially for a period of five years i.e. 2007-2012. In order to complete the documentation process and continue the momentum, this period was extended by another five years (2012-2017) and later NMMA was merged with ASI (October 2017). Delay in setting up of NMMA and lack of planning leading to failure in achieving its objective was pointed out in the previous CAG Report.

Lighting lamp to inaugurate the workshop….

Objectives of NMMA: The National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities was launched in 2007. The time frame prescribed for its completion is five years. Documentation and creation of suitable database on built heritage and sites through published and unpublished secondary sources for information and dissemination to planners, researchers, etc. and for better management of such cultural resources. Documentation in a uniform developed by NMMA, of all Antiquities that are available in different formats in the form of Registered Antiquities, Catalogued Antiquities with Central as well as State Governments, Private museums and Collections, Universities, etc. Promote awareness and sensitize people concerning the benefits of preserving the historical and cultural aspects of built heritage, sites and antiquities. Extend training facility and capacity building to the concerned State Departments, Local bodies, NGOs, Universities, Museums, Local communities etc. Help in developing synergy between institutions Archaeological Survey of India, State Departments, concerned Institutions and NGOs to generate close interaction.

• Publication and Research.
• Expected output
• National Register on Built Heritage & Sites
• National Register on Antiquities.

Lighting lamp..

2022 onwards workshops conducted: The NMMA has been conducting workshops on the documentation from 2022 onwards[1] – November 2022 – Greater Noida; December – Guwahati; December – Aurangabad; 2023 January – Bhopal; 2023 January – Bangalore; 2023 February – Bhubaneswar; Why conduct workshops suddenly? As I am familiar with CAG audit, audit reports etc., and reading them carefully, I noted in the 2022-CAG Report[2] that, “It also stated that there was a need for reviewing the existing documentation process/guidelines, identify and revive Documentation Resource Centres (DRC)/State Level Implementing Committees (SLIC), initiate training programmes and workshops at the local levels. …….Since March 2015, no workshop was held to facilitate documentation work, rectify mistakes or to provide clarification to agencies involved in the process. As a result, there was absence of a system for regularly up-grading the technical capability of executing agencies, which affected the work process.”

NMMA workshop= audience view RHS

Three-day workshop at Chennai: A three-day workshop on “documentation of monuments” was held at Keys Select by Lemon Tree Hotels, Katti-Ma, Chennai, Kalakshetra Road, Thiruvanmiyur, organized by NMMA and ASI (Chennai circle) from October 31st to November 2nd 2023. It was inaugurated by  Prof Kishore Kumar Basa DG of ASI by lamping lamp and the proceedings continued with the speeches of Ravikorisettar, Sathyabhama and Samanta. Then, there was a practical session to identify the artefacts, measure their physical dimensions and note them down in the format for documentation. This was followed by photography practice, in which, how to take a photograph of an artefact was demonstrated.

Documenting of antiques will prevent their smuggling to other countries, said Archaeological Survey of India’s National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities director Madhulika Samanta on Tuesday [31-10-2023][3]. “A large number of antiques are getting smuggled out of the country. We do not have any knowledge that they were with us till they are showing up in museums in Europe and America,” she said[4]. She was speaking on the sidelines of a regional workshop cum training programme here on the documentation of monuments and antiques (southern region). “When we initiate legal proceedings to bring them back, we end up losing cases in international courts as we do not have any national data to show that they were with us,” Samanta said.

• The national mission had a target of documentation
• ASI’s NMMA has documented 17 lakh antiques and 58 lakh antiques and four lakh built heritage sites. , and 1.84 lakh heritage sites.
• “But we have published only 11,000 sites so far because the data was collected from secondary sources, including research articles, reports,” she added.

She said unprotected monuments are also getting demolished due to developmental activities. “If universities, state archaeological departments, colleges, organisations come up with project proposals to document antiques, we will recognise them as documentation resource centres and give them grants,” she said.

In India, it is a problem of plenty: “Heritage is our strength. If not managed well it could be a liability,” ASI director general Kishore K Basa[5] said while speaking at the inaugural function[6] pointing out, as for as the antiquities and monuments are concerned, it is a problem of plenty. However, it has to be accepted as positive manner in presenting them. There is a difference between the attitude and approach of the people towards the monuments by the colonial period and till 21st century. During the colonial period, the natives were kept away from te exploration, excavation and heritage management. But, now the citizens have to be taken into account in heritage management. ASI has to work with citizen-centric approach, as money comes from the public. He emphasised the necessity of the documentation of all the monuments, artefacts and others[7]. In the documentation processes, multilayered information should be provided and even children should be made to take an interest in heritage management.

Who is responsible for the illegal trafficking of the artefacts?: Sathyabhama Badrinath talked about, “Objectives of NMMA and future course of action,” tracing the creation of NMMA somewhere in 2006-2007 period under the Five years plan and then extended to 2011-2012. On 01-10-2017, it was merged with the ASI. With te urbanization and looting of antiquities, the monuments started disappearing. Illicit trafficking has been taking place. There have been 4 lakh heritage sites, 3  lakhs of the ASI and one that of Built-heritage categories. The Customs and Postal Department have seized many artefacts, but they are lying and the condition is not known. Thus, she tried to blame the other departments. The private collectors should register with the ASI. It appears that the ASI is interested in adding more numbers in their NMMA register.

Prehistory artefacts, ulture, terminology etc. – to follow European o African model?: Ravikorisettar talked about, “Documentation of Antiquities Chennai circle, Southern region – from documentation perspective.” He explained about the exploration, excavation and recovery of the prehistoric artefacts from different sites of South India. He also listed out the sites according to their location, geographical and geological importance and the nature of artefacts recovered. He also pointed out as to how these sites have been getting affected by quarrying, infrastructure development and climatic conditions.As he has been an expert in the prehistory, he covered most of his findings with slides for about one hour and then come to the issue of documentation, classifying / grouping such prehistoric / paleolithic sites. He pointed out how the lithic objects, cultures and related issues were / are mentioned with different terminology. The European model / terminology is not applicable to India. Thus, Africal example are followed and expression like  “Madrassian complex” is also used. Coming to the upper Paleolithic, it is not known to identify them as European or African model?

Madhulika Samanta – vote of thanks: The Archaeological Survey of India’s National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA) director, Madhulika Samanta, has emphasized the importance of documenting antiquities to prevent their smuggling out of the country. Samanta stated that India often loses legal cases in international courts because there is no national data to prove that the smuggled antiquities were originally in India. The NMMA has documented 17 lakh antiquities and 1.84 lakh-built heritage sites so far, but the data published on their website is limited as it is collected from secondary sources. Samanta also highlighted the need to protect monuments from demolition due to development activities.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

03-11-2023

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[1] http://nmma.nic.in/nmma/workshop.do

[2] Report No. 10 of 2022; https://cag.gov.in/uploads/download_audit_report/2022/Chapter 6-062f0de36c49e05.39285992.pdf

[3] Times of India, Director of ASI’s NMMA suggests a way to prevent smuggling of antiquities, A Ragu Raman / TNN / Oct 31, 2023, 19:26 IST

[4] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/director-of-asis-nmma-suggests-a-way-to-prevent-smuggling-of-antiquities/articleshow/104860696.cms

[5] Prof. Kishor K. Basa,  Utkal University Professor (Retired on 31.03.2018), Ph. D. (London); Phone No.: 8895615636; E-mail ID: kishorkbasa58@gmail.com

[6] Times of India, Documenting of antiques will curb smuggling: ASI’s NMMA director, TNN / Nov 1, 2023, 08:17 IST

[7] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/documenting-of-antiques-will-curb-smuggling-asis-nmma-director/articleshow/104872987.cms

CAG Report on missing monuments – ASI searching for, found and lost; how and why they are missing, hiding, getting lost etc?

CAG Report on missing monuments  – ASI searching for, found and lost; how and why they are missing, hiding, getting lost etc?

CAG Report on the function of ASI and missing monuments: Whether, 2013 or 2023, the picture does not change, as the monuments, “protected monuments,” listed monuments have been missing from the sites, monuments and paces. As India Today[1] sarcastically noted, “Persons go missing. Valuables, watches, cellphones, pens go missing. Sometimes even coal block allocation files go missing. Now monuments have gone missing; the Ministry of Culture and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) admit to 35 lost and not found. And it gets worse”. The government has been caught lying to Parliament on this number[2]. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had indicted the culture ministry and ASI for furnishing incorrect data to Parliament on the number of national monuments that are missing. This has not been new in the ASI history or Indian history or history of archaeology[3]. Just to satisfy, a committee would be formed to trace the missing monuments and they declare that some missing monuments were found[4]. Whenever CAG Report or Audit objections come, every government office used to give some preliminary report and then detailed report as a matter of routine. Interestingly, these issues are discussed for the competitive exams entrance exam coaching classes also.

How monuments in India are missing, hiding, getting lost etc: The media has been describing the issue with its own way in a different manner and with narratives.

• In a scene from Satyajit Ray’s mystery-adventure film Sonar Kella (The Fort of Gold), 1971, one of the antagonists says Rajasthan is a state where every nook and cranny hides a fort or monument, and it will be nearly impossible to know which one is the golden fort[5]. The actors of Ray’s cult classic endure several gruelling adventures before they finally realise that they are looking for the Jaisalmer Fort[6]. Ray’s film reveals an intriguing truth about monuments in India.
• Despite their near-ubiquitous presence in both urban and rural areas, monuments are not always the easiest structures to locate.
• Sometimes it is the stories that blur the maps; at other times they are simply missing.
• Take the tomb of Razia Sultan in Delhi, for instance. The resting place of one of the most-storied women rulers of the medieval India, is an unassuming cluster of weathered sandstones hidden in the packed bylanes of Old Delhi, surrounded by the walls of neighbouring houses, and no roof overhead. The responsibility of its upkeep is on the shoulders of a tiny adjoining mosque with few visitors.
• In Telkupi, a village in West Bengal’s Purulia district, the construction of Panchet dam over the Damodar river submerged a set of six to eight 11th-century stone temples. Only a few remain visible above the surface of water.
• In Karnataka, about 18 km from the Thirthahalli taluk, the 9th-century Kavaledurga Fort valiantly fights off surrounding jungle’s persistent overgrowth. Despite attempts and restoration and maintenance by several succeeding dynasties and kingdoms over the centuries, as well as central and state governments, the fort remains neglected and hidden beneath overgrown shrubs.

Since 2006, the CAG has been pointing out about the missing monuments: The CAG report says that on more than one occasion the culture minister has told Parliament that 35 of its monuments have gone missing. When the CAG checked about 1,655 protected monuments and sites-comprising 45 per cent of the total-they found 92 monuments missing. This is more than 2.5 times the number of its monuments have gone missing. When the CAG checked about 1,655 protected monuments and sites-comprising 45 per cent of the total-they found 92 monuments missing. This is more than 2.5 times the number being provided by the culture ministry since 2006. Since the CAG verification covers about half the total number of monuments, the total figure would be much higher if the inspection covered all monuments. The CAG report has brought the boom down on the ASI for hiding facts, quoting instances where some monuments “missing” in Delhi from the 1970s have not even been listed by the ASI as such. The story of General Nicholson’s statue, a protected monument near Kashmere Gate in the Capital at the time of Independence, is as good an example of the ASI’s inertia as any. The statue was gifted by the government to Ireland in the 1960s, but the ASI has been unaware of the transfer till recently. Of course, the statue still features in the list of protected monuments.

The vested commercialization and politicization lead to encroachments and disappearance of monuments: The CAG audit has found that the premier custodian of our heritage does not even know the number of monuments it is supposed to protect. It has been found that the ASI does not even possess notification documents for many of its monuments. This document is the legal basis of the boundary of a monument, and is the prime tool to beat back encroachments, the bane of common properties and public spaces in India. The CAG audit also says that these valuable monuments across the country are sites of neglect, marred as they are by encroachments and unauthorised constructions. Once again, the auditor has caught the ASI sleeping, as it notes that in its inspection of 1,655 of centrally protected monuments there were encroachments in around 546 monuments as against 249 intimated by the ASI. The nation’s showpiece monuments-the Taj Mahal and Red Fort- are not better off, the report says. Red Fort in Delhi has poorly maintained gardens, and its water channels have yet to be made operational. An illegal mazaar and temple have come up inside Red Fort in recent years; prayers are being offered at both places. Similarly, only one of 24 unauthorised constructions near the Taj Mahal has been removed. The more the tourist flow, the more the shops, hotels, touts, agents and all sorts of related activities. The more the space encroached near to the monuments, the more the profits, where all deals start and thus, the ASI Acts and Rules are simply forgotten.

In India, for everything and anything, there have been hundreds of Acts and Rules: To oversee archaeological excavations and conservation, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was founded in 1869. Numerous protected monuments were placed under the ASI’s care between the 1920s and the 1950s. The Antiquities and Art Treasure Act of 1972 is also governed by it. James Cunningham, a British Army engineer who had a passion for Indian archaeology, founded it in 1861. After gaining independence, it became a statutory body under the AMASR Act of 1958. The Director-General of the ASI is in charge, and New Delhi serves as its headquarters. The Government of India’s Ministry of Culture is home to the Archaeological Survey of India, or ASI. It works to protect and preserve the nation’s historic buildings and archaeological sites as well as conduct archaeological research. The provisions of the 1958 Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act) are used by ASI to regulate all archaeological activities carried out in the nation. Following independence, the functioning of ASI was hampered by the poor policies of the succeeding governments, which placed a greater emphasis on infrastructure, education, and health than on preserving cultural heritage.

How monuments, temples, sculptures etc have been missing or made to miss: The ASI officials claim that activities like encroachments, the building of dams and reservoirs, and rapid urbanisation have slowly sunk many monuments and heritage sites. Yes, but, why ASI has not been able to implement its authority is surprising. When for infrastructure development, the government has been keen to put road, construct dam, dug a tunnel, break mound, and so on.so when such activities are planned and they go through their decided areas, the planners ignore the “monuments” and only think about “development.” Of course, in the tender, MOU, agreement etc., there have been hundreds of conditions printed in the documents running to 200-300 pages and one should have patience to go through and understand. In spite of all conditions, when the project starts, many trees are cut, temple walls demolished, why even temples were demolished silently during night times under the guise of shifting or promising to relocate and so on[7]. If few people are there, they can be easily managed and none would know, except, when pilgrims come to identify, knw and declare that the temple is missing.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture received the report, “Issues Relating to Untraceable Monuments and Protection of Monuments in India.”50 of India’s 3,693 centrally protected monuments under ASI, according to the Union Ministry of Culture’s submission to the Parliament, are now untraceable, raising serious concerns. ASI safeguards and preserves more than 3500 protected monuments and archaeological sites of national significance.

• 14 monuments have been engulfed by rapid urbanisation, according to the ASI submission in Parliament.
• By building dams and reservoirs, as many as 12 monuments have been submerged, and 24 have vanished.
• Only 248 of the 3,693 monuments are reportedly guarded, according to the report. Due to financial limitations, the government could only afford to provide 2,578 security personnel at 248 locations, according to the report.
• Eleven monuments are missing from Uttar Pradesh, two from each of Delhi and Haryana, and others are missing from Assam, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, among other states.
• Other missing monuments include:
  • the Guns of Emperor Sher Shah, Tinsukia (Assam);
  • the Ruins of Copper Temple, Paya, Lohit (Arunachal Pradesh); Kos Minar, Mujesar, Faridabad (Haryana);
  • Kutumbari Temple, Dwarahat, Almora (Uttarakhand);
  • Rock Inscription, Satna (Madhya Pradesh);
  • Old European Tomb, Pune (Maharashtra);
  • 12th Century Temple, Baran (Rajasthan); and
  • Telia Nala Buddhist ruins, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh).

According to the Ministry, untraceable monuments are those that, despite numerous ASI efforts, could not be located on the ground for a sizable period of time. As cited by the Indian Express, the ASI officials claim that no physical surveys of any monuments were ever done following Independence. Nevertheless, according to a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report from 2013, the nation’s at least 92 centrally protected monuments were believed to be missing. The CAG report claims that the ASI lacked information on the precise number of monuments it was responsible for protecting[8]. The CAG report recommended that ASI officers conduct routine inspections of each protected monument. Even though the Ministry approved the proposal, there was little evidence of appropriate action[9]. In 2017 itself, Minister of Culture (in charge of archaeology etc) gave a list of monuments[10].

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

30-04-2023

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[1] India Today, CAG discovers 92 protected monuments missing, slams ASI for negligence, Edited By: At Migration, Published On: Aug 24, 2013.

[2] https://www.indiatoday.in/india/north/story/cag-discovers-protected-monuments-missing-slams-asi-174812-2013-08-23

[3] The Hindu, Special ASI committee to trace 24 ‘missing’ monuments, THE HINDU BUREAU, February 05, 2023 10:40 pm | Updated February 06, 2023 07:51 am IST – New Delhi

[4] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/special-asi-committee-to-trace-24-missing-monuments/article66474342.ece

[5] Business Standard, Withering legacies: A curious tale of India’s ‘missing’ monuments, Debarghya SanyalNew Delhi, Last Updated : Feb 15 2023 | 12:04 PM IST

[6] https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/withering-legacies-a-curious-tale-of-missing-india-s-monuments-123021301558_1.html

[7] Here, perhaps the Idol smugglers and the related persons might have a nexus, as they only knew which temples were demolished, how many parts, pillars, sculptures, idols etc., were removed, delivered safely and faithfully, damaged and missing.

[8] India Times, Explained: How Did 50 ASI-Protected Monuments Disappear?, Hera Rizwan, Updated on Jan 08, 2023, 11:24 IST.

[9] https://www.indiatimes.com/explainers/news/explained-how-did-50-asi-protected-monuments-disappear-589674.html

[10] Unstrred question no.5913 answered on 10-04-2017 about the survey conducted about the missing of documents: https://eparlib.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/701331/1/52351.pdf

The Idol-theft, temple desecration and illegal export of antique objects in Andhra and Telangana: Is it a political, politicized or organized racket? (3)

The Idol-theft, temple desecration and illegal export of antique objects in Andhra and Telangana: Is it a political, politicized or organized racket? (3)

May 29, 2021 – Kurnool – eight-member gang arrested: Owk police arrested a 6-member gang for allegedly practising witchcraft to unearth hidden treasure near Kanigiri Swamy temple premises in Yerramala forest[1]. Speaking to media persons on Friday, Owk Sub Inspector Jagadeeshwar Reddy said that six persons, Srinivasulu of Anantapur, Venkataramana of Owk, Dudekula Kadar Vali of Banaganapalle and Mekala Ramesh, Talari Hanumanthu and Golla Rangaswami of Goruman Palle in Kolimigundla after forming as a gang, tried to unearth hidden treasures near Kanigiri Swamy temple premises in Yerramala forest[2]. The 100-year-old Kanigiri Swamy temple is constructed in Yerramala forest zone, 8 kilometres away from Owk town. People will hardly visit the temple on normal days. Thus, they might have chosen such deserted and remote temples for looting.

Occult prayers and witchcraft practised to divine treasure: There was a rumour that precious treasures will be hidden beneath the temple or its surrounding areas. Believing the rumours, some treasure hunters used to dig the surrounding areas or demolish the age-old temples searching for hidden treasures. The six-member gang with greed to own the precious trove has sketched a plan to dig the temple premises. Taking the advantage of no one present on the temple premises, they first performed some occult prayers before commencing digging works. However, some locals noticed them and immediately brought it to the notice of the police, said the Sub-inspector. Based on the information, the police conducted a search operation at the forest zone. After a while of searching, all six members were caught and taken to the police station. A case has been filed under relevant sections and all accused would be sent to remand, stated the SI. Here, the local people appear to be honest and report to the police, so that the culprits were arrested.

April 12, 2021 – Nandi destroyed to find diamonds: Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor police arrested 10 persons for stealing and destroying a Nandi idol from a temple in a Dalit colony in Jagamarla village, believing that diamonds were embedded inside it[3]. Police arrested M. Venkata Chalapathi (43), K. Srinivasulu (34), K. Hari (34), B. Sridhar (27), G. Venkatesh (24), P. Dasaradaiah (40), G. Narasimhulu (60), K. Ranga Babu (40), D. Prakash (34) and B. Munendra (29)[4]. On April 4, police received a complaint that the Nandi idol belonging to Vandana Malleswara Swamy temple, located in the Koundyana forest area near the Scheduled Tribes (ST) colony in Devalampeta locality of Jagamarla village in Palamaneru mandalam was stolen. Acting on temple priest S. Narasimhulu’s complaint, police registered a case under IPC Section 379 and started an investigation. Around 6.30 p.m. on Saturday, police received a tipoff that five people were moving suspiciously in the Jagamarla forest area, prompting the cops to round them up and question them. Chittoor superintendent of police (SP) S. Senthil Kumar said that Srinivasulu, also known as Ashwathama, belonging to Nagarkurnool district in Telangana and his local friend Hari from Kandada together went to check the idol on March 21, which they would eventually decamp with. Kumar said on March 26, Srinivasulu dispatched Hari, who along with Chalapathi, Sridhar, Venkatesh and Ranga Babu stole the idol and hid it in a pond at Gangasagaram village belonging to one Munindra.

The treasure hunters planned to do their job: The treasure hunters planned to break open the idol on March 27, 2021  but one of the thieves, Ranga Babu, came with Prakash Naidu, Narasimhulu, Dasaradhayya and Gopi to steal it again from the place where it was hidden. In the second theft of the idol, Ranga Babu and his accomplices stole it away to Poyya village in Thottembedu mandalam and buried it. On April 2, 2021 they dug out the idol and hammered it into pieces to find no diamonds in it. Since abandoning the idol pieces will raise suspicion, they threw the Nandi pieces in the Swarnamukhi river. “Gopi, who broke the idol into pieces died in a road accident three days ago while the remaining 10 accused have been arrested, along with the confiscation of an auto-rickshaw, one Tata Ace, three two-wheelers and the idol pieces,” he said. This incident comes in light of several alleged temple attacks which already rocked the southern state.

January 2021 – Police diaries reveal treasure hunters for Idols: The Indian Express looked at the case diaries of some of these cases, and found that treasure hunters were responsible for six of them. Director General of Police Damodar Goutam Sawang said 42 people had been arrested in these six cases[5]. Amid a political row in Andhra Pradesh over a series of incidents of vandalism of temples, with the ruling party and the Opposition pointing fingers at each other, The Indian Express has found that police investigations into these incidents show that the motive behind most of them was largely apolitical — from the hope of unearthing a treasure in one case to miscreants breaking into a temple in a drunken state in another[6]. However, Director General of Police D Gautam Sawang, however, said it was too early to comment on a possible political conspiracy behind the spate of attacks on temples[7].

Attack on temples: Andhra govt sets up SIT to investigate cases: As the temple desecration of all sorts became an issue, the Andhra govt decided to set up SIT to investigate cases[8]. Ranging from the destruction of idols of various Hindu gods and goddesses in Pithapuram in East Godavari district to the destruction of a statue of Lord Rama in Ramathiratham in Vijayanagaram district there were about 150 incidents in AP since January last year[9]. Incidents of burning of Prasanna Venkateswaraswamy temple chariot in Nellore, Lakshminarasimhaswamy chariots in Antarvedi and theft of silver lions of Sri Kanaka Durga temple chariot in Vijayawada have raised concerns among the people. Why are temples being attacked? Who is doing it? Investigative agencies have no answer to such questions. In the incident of destruction of the idol of Lord Rama in the Ramatirtham temple, silver ornaments of the deity were not stolen. This has happened in a number of cases coming to light in connection with the damage to temples in the state. Due to this, devotees and Hindu communities are commenting that the intention of those who are doing these things is clear. Despite this, there are criticisms that not apprehending the culprits will lead to more incidents.

March 2016 – Kadiri (Anantapur): Several heritage structures and ancient historical temples dating back to the 16th century AD in the district with rich cultural and historical value, are being systematically defaced and vandalised by treasure hunters, due to a lack of coordination between the departments of Endowments, Mines and Geology, Tourism and Archaeology[10]. About 200 treasure hunt teams both local and from neighbouring Karnataka are on the prowl for ancient treasure engaged in digging operations at secluded places with the help of sophisticated metal detectors, according to Archaeology and Museums department sources[11].

Vandalise structures, loot: Some of them had reportedly benefited from such secret excavations and turned into multi-millionaires overnight. Late Kaleshwar Swamy of Penukonda was a major beneficiary of such a bonanza from the treasure find nearly a decade ago. According to department sources, one person was killed six months ago in Penukonda, the hot seat of the treasure hunt due to clashes among the treasure hunt teams. Vested interests are digging up historical temples in Penukonda hoping to find precious gold and silver articles of antique value. Kadiri Lakshminarasimha Swamy temple and Penna Ahobilam temples are glaring examples of tampering of ancient structures in the name of renovation by the departments of Endowments and Tourism. This practice has become a matter of concern for lovers and students of history and also to the Department of Archaeology which is the chief custodian of all ancient structures in the country. Treasure hunters are the main culprits as they vandalise these structures, which are vulnerable as there is none to guard them. Archaeology assistant director Lakshmi Devi says there are no funds to guard temples and structures and idols of antique value and unless the Central and State governments allot funds for the purpose, guarding these treasure troves will be a difficult proposition.

Changes, modifications and meddling with structures could be investigated and known: Renovation, reconstruction, restoration and such other acts are also used for treasure hunting and meddling with the ancient and medieval structures. When such groups of persons of the Central or State archaeological departments work, nothing could be suspected. Nowadays, for digging, excavating and removing mud, earth-moving equipment like Bokline, JCB etc., are used and such job is carried on under “outsourcing,” where, outsiders are involved. “Consultants” and others also come and go and their interests are known only to them. The local people would be watching their activities and from them also details could be gathered by others. “Temple cleaning” groups, service doing devotees and others are too knowing many details about temples. Of course, regular visitors, committed devotees, and Kuladeivam-temple goers would be visiting many temples and they could recognize any change that occurred in the structure, as they have been witnessing them many times through decades. Some have photographs taken on those occasions.

Central Government instructions: The Ministry of External Affairs have sent advisories to Diplomatic Missions that their baggage should not contain any antiques which are more than one hundred years old except under the authority of a licence issued by the competent authority. The Government also lays stress on modernisation and strengthening of infrastructure relating to intelligence and enforcement agencies to enable them to take more efficient steps to prevent smuggling of antiques/ idols etc. out of the country. Now, efforts are made with foreign countries to identify, claim and bring back the Indian antiquities that have been illegally shipped out of India based on fake documents. In fact, many Idols have been received back also. In spite of all these efforts, as the State governments, certain vested politically connected officials, ruling politicians and others have been trying to violate the norms and procedure and thus, illegal activities thrive with their blessings. The result has only turned out to be Idol-theft, treasure hunting and looting, desecration and other unlawful activities.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

18-09-2022

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[1] HansIndia, Kurnool: 6-member gang held for treasure hunt,  The Hans India Hans News Service | 29 May 2021 12:00 AM IST.

[2] https://www.thehansindia.com/andhra-pradesh/kurnool-6-member-gang-held-for-treasure-hunt-688274

[3] Etv.bharat, Andhra police arrest 10 treasure hunters for hammering Nandi idol, Published on : April 12, 2021, 4.35 PM IST.

[4] https://www.etvbharat.com/english/national/state/andhra-pradesh/andhra-police-arrest-10-treasure-hunters-for-hammering-nandi-idol/na20210412163533733

[5] Indian Express, Andhra temple desecrations: treasure hunters to drunks, Written by Sreenivas Janyala, Hyderabad | First published on: 18-01-2021 at 04:30:49 am; Updated: January 18, 2021 1:32:37 pm

[6] https://indianexpress.com/article/india/andhra-temple-desecrations-treasure-hunters-to-drunks-7150638/

[7] Indian Express, Andhra Pradesh temple attacks probe points to political angle: Sources, Published: 07th January 2021 08:50 AM  |   Last Updated: 07th January 2021 10:42 AM.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2021/jan/07/andhra-pradesh-temple-attacks-probe-points-to-political-angle-sources-2246680.html

[8] Etv.bharat, Attack on temples: Andhra govt sets up SIT to investigate cases, Published on January 9, 2021, 8.27 PM IST.

[9] https://www.etvbharat.com/english/national/state/andhra-pradesh/attack-on-temples-andhra-govt-sets-up-sit-to-investigate-cases/na20210109202717149

[10] HansIndia, Treasure hunters ravage temples, THE HANS INDIA 4 Mar 2016 7:27 AM IST

[11] https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2016-03-04/Treasure-hunters-ravage-temples/211234

The Idol-theft, temple desecration and illegal export of antique objects in Andhra and Telangana: Is it a political, politicized or organized racket? (2)

The Idol-theft, temple desecration and illegal export of antique objects in Andhra and Telangana: Is it a political, politicized or organized racket? (2)

September 2022 – Nagulagudi, Rayachoti, Nandavaram, Kurnool district ransacked for treasure: Kurnool District, Nandavaram Mandal. The oldest temple in Rayachoti village is Nagula Gudi, a temple dating back to the Ashoka period. This temple is in the archaeological area. Night after night they dig in the mandapam for hidden treasures. If the way of digging is observed carefully, it is not done by humans, i.e, a machine was used. Locals complain that hidden treasures were stolen by digging with JCB. Andhra and Telangana have been witnessing many temple desecration, temple structure demolitions, Idol lifting, sculptures stealing, treasure hunting, chariots burning etc., going on for the last ten years. With the division of the Andhra State, formation of Telengana, changed governments, political ideology etc., these activities have been increasing.  Some videos have been in circulation in the social media. The police standing nearby the digging site confirms the incident.

December 16, 2021 – eight-members gang arrested: Kurnool police on Sunday arrested an eight-member gang of treasure hunters for allegedly digging up an ancient shrine at Maddikere village in Chippagiri Mandal of Chittoor superintendent of police (SP) S. Senthil Kumar said that Srinivasulu, also known as Ashwathama, belonging to Nagarkurnool district in Telangana and his local friend Hari from Kandada together went to check the idol on March 21, which they would eventually decamp with on December 16, 2021[1]. Briefing reporters about the case, Kurnool SP Kaginelli Fakeerappa said the local village revenue officer (VRO) had lodged a complaint claiming that some unidentified miscreants had dug up the ancient Ammavari temple in the village in search of hidden treasure[2]. In course of the investigation, police found that there was a popular belief in the Mandal that treasure may be hidden beneath the feet of Ammavari at the ancient shrine. According to the police, the prime accused, Dasari Venkatesh of Kubdanagurthi village, hatched a plan to dig up the temple to look for treasure. Thus, if this person is interrogated thoroughly, the motive could be known.

How the plan was hatched to loot: He shared his plan with his brother-in-law Jaya Ramudu. The duo roped in Mangali Venkateswarlu, O Bhaskar Reddy, Golla Peddaiah, P Mareppa and G Ramanjaneyulu. Fakruddin, the owner of an earthmover, was also roped in. The gang reached the temple on December 16 and executed its plan without a hitch. But the group had to return empty-handed as they did not find any treasure even after digging 10 feet below the shrine. Special teams probing the case arrested all eight accused on Sunday and seized one earthmover, three bikes and eight mobile phones from the accused.  Thus, here, when such activities were going on with earth mover, definitely, the nearby persons have known the activities.

Aug 14, 2021 Bikkavolu (Andhra Pradesh): In a startling development, the four Treasure Hunters who stole the ancient Nandi idol from the 9^th century Sri Golingeswara Swamy temple at Bikkavolu village in Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari district in their quest for diamonds, had actually Surveyed and made a list of more than 15 Idols at various temples in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana[3].  Bikkavolu Treasure Hunters Surveyed Over 15 Idols in Andhra[4]. The police have arrested Chukkapatla Prasad (30) from Guntur district and Kunchala Venkatesh (26), a mason from Kandukuru in Prakasam district, while Guvvala Bhaskar Reddy from the same district and Ravi Pantulu from Nellore district are on the run. All these four accused persons had prepared the list of idols.

Idol lifting gang identified their target: The Idols which featured in their list include Veerabhadra Swamy and Nandi Idols at Unchala village in Kurnool district, Vinayakudu and Nandi Idols at Yanamadula village in Guntur district, three Nandi Idols at Guduru in Nellore district and another black Nandi idol in the same place. Likewise, Nandi idol and gold coloured ornaments at a Sivalayam in Ongole, finely sculpted and embellished Nandi idol in Nellore and another Nandi idol atop a pillar in Vinukonda Shivalayam also featured in the list. So they planned, studied and looted the temples.

The extended list of Idols to be stolen: The list also included a peacock idol in Nellore, Nandi idol in Kammampadu village in Guntur district, Nagula (serpent) idol and a broken idol of a God at Narsapuram in Prakasam district. A white Nandi idol at Kuduri village in Nellore district, a yellow Nandi idol at Injamuru village in the same district, a black Nandi idol at Someswaram in East Godavari district, Sivalayam at Jagityala district in Telangana and finally the Nandi idol they stole from Bikkavolu completed the list. The pater has been to steal particular type of Nandi from Shiva temples and thus, somebody would have ordered so.

Changed politics, anti-Hindu attitude etc: Two of the four accused persons — Prasad and Reddy — are well educated with post-graduate degrees, who fell for the make-believe tales of an accomplice, Pantulu, that ancient Idols contained diamonds which could be cracked open. Prasad is an MCA graduate while Reddy studied MBA.“The educated but broke quartet superstitiously believed that ancient Idols will have diamonds inside them,” said a police officer. This crime assumes significance as the southern state has seen a slew of alleged temple attacks, leading to provocative politics being played around these developments by political parties to corner the state government, making accusations that it is allegedly anti-Hindu[5]. Thus, such fact has been also explicitly revealed and reported by the media. Why and how such highly educated youth involved in Idol-theft cases? Either they must have been unemployed (this cannot be a reason, but, engaged in this job or they decided that such looting would fetch quick money in crores easily. Moreover, the atheist, anti-religion and other propaganda also must have conditioned and moulded their psyche to carry out such unlawful acts.

Iconoclast Idol-thieves: Following the police taking the temple offences with utmost seriousness and installing surveillance cameras in thousands of temples across the state, crimes have come down drastically[6]. Back in January, the East Godavari district police had caught a drunken butcher (name not mentioned) on camera for damaging the trident (trishul) of a local temple in Kakinada. Similarly, even in the Bikkavolu incident, the police managed to capture the movement of a suspect on CCTV surveillance, though not very clear. On Saturday, the police arrested two of the four Treasure Hunters and seized a car, besides recovering the smashed Nandi idol and a hammer.

July 2021 – Treasure hunt gangs ar Ahobilam area: Treasure hunters are exploring the Nallamala deep forest area to try their luck, particularly in the vicinity of the historic Ahobilam belt where a closed well in Lakshmi Narasimha Swami temple is believed to have treasure larger than that of Padmanabhaswamy temple[7]. The stone and palm leaf scriptures reveal that an underground den sealed with big stones just in front of the main deity contains a huge golden and diamond treasure hidden by South Indian King Sri Krishnadevaraya of the 16th century[8]. For three decades several attempts were made to plunder this treasure, but whoever attempted had died immediately, say locals[9]. “One archaeology professor, who tried to dig the surface, died on the spot when some poisonous fumes erupted from the side hole of the earth 20 years ago,” said a priest on the condition of anonymity[10]. Thus, the involvement of the professionals is also noted.

Whoever opens the treasure would die: “Recently, an engineer who attempted to break open the treasure not only failed in his attempt but also lost his life,” narrates Penchalayya, a tea stall owner at Ahobilam. Some people say former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh Marri Chenna Reddy also got some secret survey done in and around the temple to find out the treasure, but for some mysterious reasons, he withdrew from that task. Subsequently, no attempts were made by anyone to find the treasure. It is believed in Ahobilam that when the Ghajani Mohammad and other Arabs invaded on India to plunder the vast opulence of the then Indian Kingdoms, the Kings used to hide the treasures below the temples or in dens to protect them from being plundered by enemy countries. However, these details are not mentioned or studied and required references are not given. Thus, they are forgotten without understanding the background. Assuming that a “communal problem” might arise due to such studies, generally, the experts could avoid with secularism, but, the scientific temper must evoke them to study honestly without any bias. As even in the 21st century, people believe and engage themselves in such treasure hunt coupled with witchcraft, divining etc.

Guess about the location of temple treasure: The scriptures around the temple say the treasure cannot be taken out now as still, one more generation has to pass as per the dates of the scripture. So it is better not to make attempts to discover the treasure below the temple to avoid premature death, according to temple priests. Similarly in Vundavalli rock caves in the Guntur district of the state, there is a 15-foot single stone of Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swami statue which resembles Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swami of Tiruvananthapuram. It is said that there is a large treasure inside the caves and a secret tunnel towards the temple of Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swami which is located on a Passive Volcano on Mangaliri road.

Digging under and breaking Nandis: Last week (July 2011), in Gopanpalli village in Zaheerabad Mandal of Medak district, unidentified people entered an old Siddeswaraswamy temple located in the village and dismantled two Nandi statues in the pursuit of searching for treasure. Those who entered the temple for the treasure also offered prayers, lit lamps, and broke coconuts before digging. This is typical for the iconoclasts who have been imbibed with atheistic ideology. In yet another incident in the Malkapur village of Rangareddy district, unidentified people damaged the Shivalingam and Nandi statue hoping to find some treasure. The treasure hunters also dug up huge pits in the premises of the local Hanuman temple located on Bacharam-Korremula road in Hayathnagar Mandal in the same district of the state.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

18-09-2022

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[1] Times of India, Eight treasure hunters held for digging up ancient shrine in Andhra Pradesh, Sandeep Raghavan / TNN / Updated: Jan 11, 2021, 08:20 IST.

[2] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/treasure-hunters-held-for-digging-up-shrine/articleshow/80202026.cms

[3] Indo-Asian News Service, Bikkavolu treasure hunters surveyed over 15 idols in Andhra, Telangana,  Posted by Sakina Fatima |  Updated: 15th August 2021 11:44 am IST

[4] https://www.siasat.com/bikkavolu-treasure-hunters-surveyed-over-15-idols-in-andhra-telangana-2178064/

[5] Telugu-stop, Bikkavolu Treasure Hunters Surveyed Over 15 Idols In Andhra, Telangana, News Desk- News Desk Last Updated Time: 2021-08-14 23:46:02  IST

[6] https://telugustop.com/bikkavolu-treasure-hunters-surveyed-over-15-idols-in-andhra-telangana-national-crimedisasteraccident-latest-eng-news

[7] Deccan Herald, Treasure hunt begins in Andhra temples, Hyderabad, July 16, DHNS:, JUL 16 2011, 23:43 IST; UPDATED: JUL 16 2011, 23:43 IST

[8] https://www.deccanherald.com/content/176929/treasure-hunt-begins-andhra-temples.html

[9] OneIndia, Treasures in AP temples worth more than that of Padmanabha?, By Anita | Published: Sunday, July 17, 2011, 12:09 [IST].

[10] https://www.oneindia.com/2011/07/17/treasure-in-ap-temples-more-than-that-of-padmanabha-aid0113.html?story=2

The Idol-theft, temple desecration and illegal export of antique objects in Andhra and Telangana: Is it a political, politicized or organized racket? (1)

The Idol-theft, temple desecration and illegal export of antique objects in Andhra and Telangana: Is it a political, politicized or organized racket? (1)

Anti-temple attitude, iconoclasm and Idol-theft etc in Andhra and Telangana: Recently, there have been many instances of temple attacks, desecration and demolitions taking place in Andhra and Telangana. Generally, the people of Tamilnadu think that their State has been prone to such temple-demolishing, idol-breaking, icon-lifting gangs working with political iconoclasm, anti-Hindu ideology and anti-iconogenesis morbid mentality. But, such psyche has been exhibited in Andhra and Telangana also is surprising and shocking. The mindset and ideology have been same as observed by the media and the Police. Thus, how Telugu-speaking people have been infested with a sinister psyche leading to iconoclasm has to be analyzed. How these stolen idols are passed on hands, whom they are sent, what is the destination, and finally who pays for such operations and such other questions are also to be answered. As for Andhra and Telangana are concerned, there has not been any systematic study of such event involved.

How deserted, mutilated and desecrated Idols are found at many remote places?: There have been thousands of temples situated across the state in the remote places and villages. For the people of those areas, they have been witnessing them for many generations.  The nonagenarians, octogenarians and other elders could give more details also. Many times, in local newspapers, there have been routine and stereotyped claims that a broken sculpture or inscription was found in a remote village, nearby temple, or in the paddy field and so on. Most of them have been there and known to local people and the visitors. However, some enthusiastic people take photographs and publish such stuff in the local newspapers, as they might be knowing some friends working there. Ironically, many times, for the same sculpture or inscription, there have been more than one “discoverer” and news reports appearing one after another or after a gap of some months.

Idol-theft started rising since 1980 in Andhra- Hundreds of Idols not traceable: During the 1980s, there was a sudden increase in thefts of Panchaloha idols and the spectre is once again returning with three cases of arrest in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh recently[1]. Thus, it is clear that such activities have been going on since 1980 i.e, more than 40 years. In other words, they have been organized, planned and controlled. In one instance, three Panchaloha idols of deities Varadarajula Swamy, Sridevi and Bhoodevi from an ancient temple at Rajole in Kuravi mandal in Warangal district which were stolen on March 15, 2016, are now in safe custody but hundreds of idols from the temples across the two Telugu-speaking States are missing for years[2]. According to the Telangana State Department of Archaeology, about 38 idols from across Telangana and AP were recovered between 2008 and 2013 but these idols are the ones that the police hand over to the department once a case is resolved, for safe custody. According to experts, there are close to 100 precious idols that date back to over 300-400 years that come under “untraceable category”. This implies that such Idols were passed over to the regular smugglers and exporters of antiques and it is evident that the Andhra-Telangana gangs have nexus with them.

CAG Report on the Idol-theft and Telugu speaking people: Stolen idols data from 2014 till date is being corroborated, said an official and on condition of anonymity confirmed that there are at least a couple of cases reported every month  (may be 1000 in a year). According to a CAG report in 2013, 91 idols of archaeological importance in India had been missing or untraceable. Telangana State Department of Archaeology director NR Visalatchi says, “The police hands over the stolen idols to the department for safe custody. The department has its limitations in protecting the idols.” It is estimated that the illegal trade of art and artefacts is estimated to be worth Rs 40,000 crore a year. No doubt that the Tamil Nadu government started a special Tamil Nadu Police Idol Wing which is in constant touch with the US Homeland Security. But, the position of Andhra and Telangana is not known.

Many Idol-theft cases not reported: Though many precious idols go missing from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh every month and rarely get reported, there is no such wing in either State. So, it is shocking to know why such a wing has not been formed since 1950, when the Andhra state was formed first in India. In the garb of ‘researcher’ and ‘antique collector’ smuggling of international antiquities goes on which requires capital and connections. Such is the volume of stolen idols that earlier this year in June, the US government returned over 200 stolen idols to India during PM Modi’s visit. But there are thousands of idols stacked away in museums and private collections the world over. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, over 4,000 items were stolen from Indian temples just in a span of three years between 2010 and 2012 and in the past two decades about 2,913 idols and antiquities have been traced in museums. K Padmanabha, Deputy Director, Telangana Department of Archaeology says, “We recovered two Lord Rama, two Lakshmana and one each of Sita and Radha Devi idols that were stolen from Parlapalli village and date back to 400 years. There are scores of idols strewn across the State that need protection.” The expression “seen across” can be noted and understood. The fact is that the remote temples are regularly ransacked for the purpose and evidently the people of those areas must have been aiding and abetting the gangs foor monetary benefits,

Modus operandi of the Companies exporting the stolen Idols: The modus operandi is complex as companies buy and sell objects among themselves to hoodwink officials before forwarding them to auction houses and collectors. Objects are first shipped to Switzerland which is considered safe because of the free trade zone. Auction houses claim that they buy the objects from Swiss soil and not from India. Dealers have a deep network connecting remote areas of the country. The modus operandi used by smugglers is to prepare a copy of the looted antique and submit it to the Archaeological survey; once the tag of ‘non-antiquity’ is granted, the certificate is used to tag to the genuine antique and ship it out of the country. Smugglers use a paperless money remittance system (hawala) which is virtually untraceable. Ghiya from Jaipur and Subhash Kapoor, a US citizen (who is now in Tamil Nadu jail), have been involved in smuggling idols out of India for decades. Subhash Kapoor who owns Art of the Past, an art gallery in New York, is accused of smuggling more than $100 million worth of stolen art from India.

So here, the same questions are raised in the context of Andhra and Telangana: A careful analysis of events clearly points to an agenda, systematic plan and organized operations orchestrated by some unknown people of these two Telugu-speaking states.

1. Who hoodwinks the officials and deal with such antiques, selling and buying easily?
2. If Objects are first shipped to Switzerland which is considered safe because of free trade zone, how it is possible crossing so many authorities?
3. The modus operandi used by smugglers is to prepare a copy of the looted antique. Then, how such a duplicate Idol is manufactured, who has such highly sophisticated technology?
4. Producing moulds and dies, the alloy (of panchaloha), furnace and other equipment? They cannot be handled by ordinary people.
5. Who is granting the tag of ‘non-antiquity’?  [like F.J.A.Flynn case, many archaeologists, historians and others must have been involved]
6. Whether such person issuing such certificate has been unaware of the facts or is a part of the game-plan aiding and abetting?
7. How the duplicate is substituted[3] inside the temple?
8. How is it possible without the knowledge of so many of the temple, transport, logistics, handlers and others?
9. Having known a or conditioned so, how and who are making them silent and the whole issue is muted?
10. At the point of export, how the invoice, packing slip, Bill of lading and other documents are filed, who is getting such clearance?
11. After export, at the point of import (destination country), how are they cleared?
12. After crossing all hurdles, how they are again getting that antiquity, so that they can be auctioned, sold and bought?

Thus, the top persons are having contacts at destination countries to carry out the job, as per their agenda. As the profits have been in crores, they could easily bribe the intermediaries and operators with lakhs and thousands..

The statistics of temple desecration, looting etc in Andhra and Telangana: Under the TDP government, 163 temple offences were reported in 2015, 139 in 2017, 123 in 2018 and 177 in 2019, when the government transitioned to the YSR Congress Party.

Year	No. of desecration cases	Remarks
2015	163	As these have been reported and obviously – officially declared figures,the actual figures could be more, as the “untraceable” ones are also to be added with these figures.
2016	?
2017	139
2018	123
2019	177
2020	228

In 2020, a year that saw an uproar following the chariot burning at the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Antarvedi, there were 143 alleged temple offences. In spite of the political overtones, and accusations against each other party and other vested interests, the fact remains that temples have been desecrated, idols stolen and many arrested. Thus, the investigations and motives clearly point to Idol-theft connected with the antique smuggling passing hands.  The political façade is perhaps thrusted to divert the issue and suppress the facts. Police are understood to have achieved some progress in the probe into attacks on temples in the state by tracing the mobile phone calls made by some of the suspects to some politicians[4]. When contacted, Director General of Police D Gautam Sawang, however, said it was too early to comment on a possible political conspiracy behind the spate of attacks on temples[5]. Let some incidences be studied in the context, to understand the intricacies.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

18-09-2022

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[1] HansIndia, Missing idols cause concern in Telangana, AP T P Venu, 14 Sept 2016, 9:28 AM IST.

[2] https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2016-09-14/Missing-idols-cause-concern-in-Telangana-AP/253744

[3] This is impossible without the knowledge of the priest, as he could immediately identify that the Idol has been replaced or changed. Then, the temple servants and workers of all categories, officials and nearby people can know the fact within time.  Thus, the gangs must have either cajoled or threatened the concerned persons and allow them to carry on such unlawful acts.

[4] Indian Express, Andhra Pradesh temple attacks probe points to political angle: Sources, Published: 07th January 2021 08:50 AM  |   Last Updated: 07th January 2021 10:42 AM.

[5] https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2021/jan/07/andhra-pradesh-temple-attacks-probe-points-to-political-angle-sources-2246680.html