Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Mar 4: Illegal construction, statue, and the cross of Jesus Christ which were found to have been installed illegally atop Doddabetta (Sri Laxminarasimha Swamy Betta) near Doddasagarahalli village in Bengaluru rural district were cleared on Tuesday, March 3. Revenue and PWD department were involved with the operation.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) had submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioner of the district on February 25, warning of launching strong protest if the illegal constructions on the hillock are not cleared soon.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad had said that some miscreants had demolished structures housing Lord Vinayaka and Lord Narasimhaswamy temples standing on the hill and installed the statue of Jesus and a cross at this government-owned land without any prior permission. It also had alleged that some missionaries in the region have been actively involved with religious conversion, which has hurt the sentiments of majority Hindus.

Bengaluru Archbishop Dr Peter Machado, has clarified that the Mahima Betta is spread over 4.5 acres of land and that an area there has been allocated as cemetery for Catholics. He said that this spot had several small statues along with a 12-feet statue of Jesus Christ. He also termed as false the allegation of religious conversion activities in the region. He has alleged that the statue of Jesus Christ standing there has now been forcibly brought down.