Belthangady: Miscreant trespasses into Balanja temple, vandalises deity idol

Mangalore Today News Network

Belthangady, Apr 24, 2026: A man identified as Ajay reportedly trespassed into the Sri Panchalingeshwara Temple in Balanja village on Wednesday night and vandalised a deity idol.

According to reports, Ajay arrived in a Thar vehicle on Wednesday night and first went to the house of Subrahmanya Bhat, located next to the temple. He allegedly shouted “Save me” and attempted to enter the house. However, the family members scolded him and sent him away.

Later, he reportedly jumped into the temple’s sacred pond and then proceeded directly to the temple. Using a pillar for support, he climbed onto the temple roof, removed the tiles, and entered inside.

He then descended into the shrine of Kodamanittaya Daiva, removed the bell placed on the pedestal, and kept it near the roof tiles, thereby desecrating the sanctity of the shrine.

Not stopping there, he rang the large bell near the Theertha Mantapa and entered the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Gopalakrishna. He allegedly took out the idol being worshipped there, threw it on the ground, and shattered it. He also scattered the puja items kept inside the sanctum, leaving the place in disarray.

Venoor police rushed to the spot, questioned Ajay, and reportedly released him after obtaining a written undertaking.