Hyderabad. The accused who allegedly broke the main idol of a temple in Hyderabad on October 14 had radicalized himself after watching videos of Islamic preacher Zakir Naik and other preachers on social media and was earlier involved in similar incidents in Mumbai. . Police gave this information on Wednesday.
Engineering graduate Salman Saleem Thakur entered the sanctum sanctorum of Muthyalamma temple in Secunderabad early on Monday and broke the main idol of the temple, following which local people, Hindu organizations and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) started protesting over the incident. Angered by this ‘provocative and mischievous’ act, the local people beat up the accused. The police took the accused into custody and admitted him to the hospital. Police said that the accused has suffered internal injuries which are being treated and his condition remains critical. Also, an FIR has been registered against him under relevant sections of the Indian Justice Code (BNS).
A release issued by Hyderabad Police said that investigation revealed that Salman, a resident of Mumbai, used to watch videos of Islamic preachers like Zakir Naik on social media. A police officer said, Halwah (Salman) is active on social media. After analyzing his mobile phone and his social media (activities), we got information (about watching videos of Naik and other Islamic preachers). The officer said that he “got radicalized himself and started adopting practices of other religions like idol worship”. I developed hatred towards him.” Maharashtra Police had also registered a case against him for damaging statues in Mumbai. Police said that Salman had come to Hyderabad earlier this month.