A man accused of tearing down a flexi banner and a plaster of paris (gypsum) statue at the Puranapul Darwaza temple was arrested by the Hyderabad Police within 24 hours of the incident, which led to mob violence and attack on police personnel. According to the police, the incident was reported to have happened around 11.

30 pm. On Wednesday (January 14, 2026) when the accused entered the entrance gate called Puranapool Darwaja and partially damaged a flexi banner and a POP idol kept in the verandah of the temple.

Kamatipura police registered a case and investigation was started. Officials collected CCTV footage and other evidence from the spot. Based on technical inputs and clues received during the investigation, the suspect was traced and taken into custody on Thursday (January 15, 2026).

Police said they did not enter the sanctum sanctorum of the temple and the main idol remained untouched. Senior officials clarified that the claims circulating on social media about the destruction of the main statue were false and aimed at inciting unrest.

Immediately after the incident of vandalism came to light, tension increased in the area and a crowd of about 300 people gathered near the temple. The mob vandalized a nearby religious structure and attacked police personnel deployed to control the situation. Four police personnel suffered serious injuries in the violence.

Separate cases have been registered in the case of attack on police and vandalism by the mob. Investigators have identified several people involved in the violence using CCTV footage and video recordings, and police said strict legal action will be initiated against all those responsible.

Officials said that the situation in Puranapul area is now completely under control. Hyderabad Police has appealed to citizens to remain calm, not believe in rumors or malicious propaganda and avoid sharing unverified content on social media.

He also warned that strict action would be taken against those spreading fake news or taking law into their own hands.