Bhadrachalam temple EO attacked during anti-encroachment drive in Andhra village

Hyderabad: Executive Officer Rama Devi of the Bhadrachalam Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy temple was attacked by locals in Purushottampatnam village while attempting to halt illegal constructions on temple land, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

The incident occurred when the EO visited the village in Andhra Pradesh to enforce a court order related to 889.5 acres of temple property. The Andhra Pradesh High Court had previously directed that the land be handed over to the Bhadrachalam temple. However, despite the ruling, encroachers had begun unauthorized constructions on the disputed property.

Upon her arrival, EO Rama Devi was confronted by locals who engaged in a heated argument with temple staff. Tensions quickly escalated, and she was allegedly assaulted during the confrontation. The officer fainted on the spot and was rushed to a government hospital in Bhadrachalam, where she is receiving treatment.

Temple authorities have condemned the attack and are expected to lodge a formal complaint. Further legal action is likely as the land remains under court-monitored transition to temple control.