Mangaluru: Man dies after desecrating temple, friends surrender fearing God's wrath

[Mirage]

Two people have been arrested in Mangaluru in connection with an incident where objectionable materials were dropped into the offering box of Koragajja temple.

The accused have been identified as Abdul Raheem and Taufeeq, residents of Jokatte. The duo reportedly confessed to the police after the untimely demise of their accomplice, Nawaz, who was also involved in the desecration.

The desecration incident had shocked devotees and could have triggered tension in the district. However, on Wednesday night, the two accused confessed their guilt before the temple priest and surrendered themselves to the police.

Abdul Raheem and Taufeeq took the step out of fear following the sudden death of Nawaz due to ill health. When his condition turned critical, Nawaz reportedly asked them to admit to their guilt before Swami Koragajja, believed to be an avatar of Lord Shiva. Later, Taufiq also faced severe health issues like Nawaz.

“Nawaz was also involved in the desecration incident. He was reportedly into black magic as well. When Nawaz fell ill, he told the accused to confess to their crime and guilt,” said Mangalore Police Commissioner N Shashi Kumar.

The accused have been booked under Section 153 (A) of the Indian Penal Code. The police have started collecting evidence and CCTV footage of the incident.