Vandalizing incident in Avinashi Lingeshwarar temple shared with communal spin

Twitter users shared the images with the caption, “Anti-Hindu elements vandalized & damaged 63 idols at the ancient Avinashi Lingeshwar temple in Tiruppur, TN last night. This was a well-planned conspiracy by Hindu haters who could not tolerate the unprecedented rush of devotees for the Rath Mahotsav in the last few days.”

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Fact Check

NewsMeter found that the claim is false.

We ran a keyword search and came across The Indian Express report of 24 May. It said a 32-year-old man, Saravana Bharathi, was arrested by the police in Avinashi town of Tamil Nadu’s Tiruppur district on Tuesday for allegedly attempting to steal and damage property of the popular ancient Avinashi Lingeshwarar Temple.

It also mentioned that he had entered the temple on Monday evening and was hiding inside the shrine during the night. He tried to escape on Tuesday morning but couldn’t come out as a crowd had gathered outside, and the police had also reached the spot.

It also quoted police saying none of the idols of the temple were damaged by the accused.

Tamil Nadu police took to Twitter and said after the investigation, police found that the accused, Saravana Bharathi, son of Udhayakumar, belongs to the Hindu religion. He was arrested and remanded within 24 hours of the incident. He attempted to steal Hundiyal's money, but when he failed to break it, he damaged some cement parts in the temple.

In the tweet, it is also mentioned that none of the idols were damaged by the accused. He has a mental disorder and does not belong to any political organization.

Hence, conclude that the claim of anti-Hindu elements vandalizing 63 idols of Avinashi Lingeshwarar Temple is false.