Woman alleges rape by temple staff, two held

The clerk and two security guards of the famous the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple were suspended after being accused of raping a pilgrim at Kadiri in Anantapur District, late on Thursday night.

According to SDPO Subbarayudu, the three accused had taken their victim to Room No 29 where the clerk committed the offence on a 25-year-old pilgrim.

Mr Subbarayudu revealed that the victim, along with her husband Shiva Raj had visited the temple late to have darshan at around 8:30 PM on Thursday night. They are residents of Madakasira in Anantapur District.

The couple stayed back in the Kalyana Mandapam and were contemplating whether to return home or not when the two security guards, Satya Raju and Manju, accosted them. During their questioning, the security guards sensed that the couple were apprehensive.

Taking advantage of the situation, the security guards demanded some money from the couple to let them leave the Holy place, but were told that this was not possible. Meanwhile, temple clerk Kiran joined the guards. The three are believed to have told the couple that either they be given money or the woman satisfy them physically.

When the couple naturally objected, the three accused locked Shiva Raj into a room and took the woman forcibly to Room No 29, where Kiran committed the offence. However, this has not yet been confirmed since the medical test reports are awaited.

Meanwhile, other pilgrims soon realized something was amiss and accosted the three. They gave a sound thrashing to Kiran and one of the security guards before handing them over to the police. The other security guard meanwhile ran away from the spot.

The victim filed a complaint that Kiran had raped her and also named the Satya Raju and Manju as his accomplices who helped the clerk.

A case under section 376(2) (b) was registered against the three and efforts were underway to nab the absconding security guard.

Meanwhile, the Executive Officer of the temple ordered the suspension of the three from their posts.