Tension flared in Madanapalle, Annamayya district of Andhra Pradesh after an Ayyappa devotee was allegedly assaulted by a Muslim youth named Ziaul Huq. According to locals, the devotee, identified as Venkatesh, was targeted by Huq for wearing an Ayyappa mala.
The altercation occurred near the RTC bus stand on the evening of 25 December 2024, when Venkatesh reportedly asked Huq to move his two-wheeler that was obstructing the road. Enraged by the request, Huq allegedly attacked Venkatesh, tearing his Ayyappa mala and shirt during the assault. As the situation escalated, locals gathered at the scene and intervened.
The incident quickly drew attention from Hindu groups, who arrived at the location and condemned the attack, chanting slogans in support of Lord Ayyappa. The groups demanded stringent action against Ziaul Huq, a native of Bidar, for disrespecting the religious symbol associated with Lord Ayyappa.
Police arrived at the scene to restore order and detained Ziaul Huq. To pacify the angry devotees, Ziaul apologised by touching Venkatesh’s feet, an act witnessed by several other Ayyappa devotees. The situation was eventually brought under control.
This incident follows another attack earlier in December, where a group of Muslims attacked a bus carrying Ayyappa devotees in Rayachoti town. The mob objected to the loud volume of Hindu devotional songs being played on the bus, claiming the music was audible from outside the vehicle.
(With inputs from OpIndia)
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