Hanuman temple in Berhampur demolished as part of eviction drive

Berhampur: At least 20 persons were detained by the Berhampur police following agitations over the demolition of a Hanuman temple near Gautam Cinema Hall of the city.

The demolition was carried out by the district administration as part of the eviction drive around 4.30 am this morning. Government officials present during the drive alleged that the temple was illegally built on government's land.

Protesting the move, BJP and Bajrang Dal activists sat on dharna and held demonstrations in front of the temple.

As the drive progressed, protesters raised slogans and engaged in a scuffle with the officials in an attempt to thwart the demolition. “As many as 20 Bajrang Dal activists had to be taken under preventive detention to ensure law and order,” a senior official informed.