Srirangam returns to normalcy after statue desecration

Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, Dec 8 (UNI) The temple town of Srirangam is limping back to normalcy, after the violence that broke out over the desecration of Periyar statue.

The statue was allegedly vandalised by four activists of Hindu Makkal Katchi (HMK) here yesterday.

Heavy police arrangement was made around Srirangam town to prevent any untoward incident.

Meanwhile, a new five-feet bronze statue, in a sitting posture was hurriedly installed on a 12-feet high pedestal by removing the damaged concrete statue by the DK men late last night. The bronze statue worth Rs 3.5 lakh, was brought from Chennai.

Armed police personnel have been deployed to protect the 'Rajagopuram' (prime temple tower) of Sri Ranganatha Swamy temple as well as the newly installed bronze statue of Periyar near the 'Rajagopuram' by the Dravidar Kazhagam, to be unveiled on December 16.

Meanwhile, a group of advocates affiliated to the Tamil Nadu Advocates Peravai, staged a demonstration to condemn the desecration of the statue in front of the District Court Complex here this afternoon and urged the governemnt to book the culprits under the Goondas Act.

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