37-Year-Old Arrested for Temple Vandalism in Nilambur, Malappuram

Nilambur, Malappuram: A 37-year-old man has been arrested in Malappuram for allegedly trespassing into a temple and causing significant damage. The accused, identified as Nadeer, a resident of Mannukadavan, Enanthi, Nilambur, was taken into custody by Nilambur police. He is accused of illegally entering the Kuttichathankavu temple in Mummulli, Nilambur. The arrest followed a complaint lodged by a representative of the temple family. Authorities have also indicated that Nadeer may be suffering from a mental illness.

The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon, around 3 PM, when Nadeer reportedly arrived at the temple in his car, accompanied by a 14-year-old child. According to Venugopalan, a member of the temple family, the accused entered the Devi Sreekoil (sanctum sanctorum), where he caused damage to the idol and other sacred items. Furthermore, he is alleged to have broken the lock of the temple office. The complaint also details a serious threat made by Nadeer; when Rajina, his brother’s wife, approached him after witnessing the vandalism, he allegedly threatened to kill her with a knife.

Upon receiving news of the incident, a police team led by DySP Saju K Abraham promptly arrived at the scene and launched an investigation. The police were able to identify the car used by the accused, which led them to track the owner’s location to Karuvarakundu. With the assistance of Karuvarakundu police, Nilambur Sub-Inspector K. Ratheesh successfully apprehended Nadeer. It was reported that the accused was employed at a mosque in the area.

Nadeer was presented before a judge at his residence in Manjeri later that night and subsequently remanded for 15 days. He has been charged under various sections, including 324(4) (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 298 (uttering words, etc., with deliberate intent to wound the religious feelings of any person), 351(2) (assault or criminal force otherwise than on grave provocation), and 3(5) (related to acts that disturb communal harmony).

Investigations are ongoing to ascertain the motivations behind Nadeer’s actions and to determine if any external forces were involved in instigating the act. A lingering question remains regarding why the accused chose to bring a minor child with him during the commission of these alleged offenses.