Image Source: Kannada Asianet News
Police on Friday, 17 July 2026, arrested four persons in connection with the vandalism of the ancient Saraswati idol at the historic Trikuteshwara Temple in Karnataka’s Gadag district, while a fifth accused remains absconding, as reported in Times of India.
According to the Gadag Town Police, the incident took place on the night of July 10 at the Saraswati shrine located within the premises of the Trikuteshwara Temple, an 8th-century monument protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), as reported in Kannada Asianet News.
The vandalism came to light the following afternoon, after devotees discovered that the idol’s chest portion had been damaged. The incident triggered concern among devotees and heritage enthusiasts, particularly because of the temple’s historical significance and its status as a protected monument.
Following the incident, police visited the temple, inspected the scene, collected evidence and launched an investigation to identify those responsible.
On Friday (17 July 2026), Gadag Town Police announced the arrest of Balesh Kalasannavar, Asif Bagwan, Basu Sandur and Rajesab Hasansab Nadaf, all residents of Belagavi district.
Police said another accused, identified as Vitthal, is absconding, and efforts are underway to trace and arrest him.
During interrogation, the arrested accused allegedly admitted to damaging the Saraswati idol using an iron punch. According to the police, the accused told investigators they believed a hidden treasure was buried beneath the idol, prompting them to vandalise the statue.
The Trikuteshwara Temple, believed to have been constructed during the 8th century, is regarded as one of Gadag’s important historical and architectural landmarks. Historical records also indicate that the temple had previously been desecrated during the 16th century.
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