The desecration of an ancient Hindu temple in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram district has triggered a political controversy after police registered a case against BJP leader Yuvraj Gokul, who publicly raised the issue, following a complaint by the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), as reported in OpIndia.
The incident occurred at the Mohanapuram Mahadeva Venugopala Swami Temple in Pothencode, where the words ‘ISIS’ and ‘786’ were found written on sacred structures on October 23 and 24, 2026.
Temple Desecration
According to reports, unidentified persons entered the temple premises on two consecutive nights and defaced sacred structures, including a Shivling and its pedestal, with the inscriptions ‘ISIS’ and ‘786’.
The repeated incidents alarmed devotees and Hindu organisations, which demanded a thorough investigation and action against those responsible.
The temple, which reportedly once owned more than 100 acres of land, is now left with less than one acre due to alleged encroachments. It is administered by the Travancore Devaswom Board, which functions under the Kerala government.
BJP Leader Booked After Raising Issue
On 27 October 2026, BJP leader and former Nedumangad Assembly candidate Yuvraj Gokul published a Facebook post highlighting the temple desecration and alleged encroachment of temple land. He also criticised the Travancore Devaswom Board for failing to protect temple property.
In his post, Gokul described the destruction of temples and encroachment of temple lands as reflecting a “Pakistan-like mindset”.
Following complaints from the SDPI and its youth wing, Young Democrats, on October 30, the Pothencode Police registered an FIR against Gokul under Section 196 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with promoting enmity between groups and acts prejudicial to communal harmony. The provision carries a maximum punishment of three years’ imprisonment and is non-bailable.
The complainants alleged that Gokul’s remarks could provoke communal tensions and disturb public harmony.
Gokul has questioned the complaint, maintaining that his post was about temple desecration and encroachment and did not call for hostility against any religious community. He also questioned why the SDPI had taken offence to his post.
BJP National Secretary K. Surendran came out in support of Gokul, questioning the registration of a case under a non-bailable provision over his remarks. He criticised the police action and questioned why the authorities were not equally focused on identifying those responsible for the temple desecration.
SDPI and PFI Background
The SDPI’s intervention has also brought attention to its alleged links with the Popular Front of India (PFI).
On 28 September 2022, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs declared the PFI and several associated organisations unlawful under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, citing allegations involving terrorism, terror financing, targeted killings and activities prejudicial to India’s sovereignty and security.
The SDPI was not individually named in the notification, although it has frequently been described in political discourse as the PFI’s political wing.
Questions Over Kerala Police and Temple Protection
The incident has raised questions about the police investigation and the protection of Hindu religious institutions in Kerala.
Who entered the temple and defaced its sacred structures with references to ISIS? Have the police identified the perpetrators and examined available evidence? Why has the case against Gokul followed complaints over his Facebook post, while the identity of those responsible for the desecration remains unclear?
The police must also establish whether Gokul’s remarks satisfy the legal requirements for invoking Section 196 of the BNS. His complete post and its context must be examined rather than relying solely on the complainants’ interpretation.
The alleged encroachment of temple land also requires investigation through revenue records and land surveys. The Travancore Devaswom Board must explain what steps it has taken to protect the temple’s remaining property.
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