Odisha Youth Arrested For Desecrating, Burning Pictures Of Deities

Rayagada: In a bizarre incident, a group of youths desecrated Hindu deities, set ablaze their photos and later circulated a video of the act. Though the incident took place a few days ago, a case was registered on Monday after the video of the whole incident went viral on social media platforms.

So far, the prime accused Agasti Gareda of Panchali village under Tikiri Police limits of the district has been arrested in this connection while search is on to trace the other accused persons who are reportedly absconding.

According to sources, the main accused along with few other youths first worshiped the picture of Dr BR Ambedkar and later burnt the pictures of Hindu deities. Police have registered an FIR in connection with the incident against all the accused on a complaint lodged by a few locals.

Rayagada Superintendent of Police (SP) Sarbana Vivek M said, "A case was registered and the main accused who was seen inciting others for a communal violence has been arrested. The pictures of the deities were set ablaze amid sloganeering. A manhunt has been launched to trace the absconding persons."