HYDERABAD: Police have arrested two priests in connection with a chemical attack on the accountant of Bhoolakshmi Temple in Saidabad. The attack took place on March 14 at approximately 7:30 PM when an unidentified person threw a suspected chemical on the temple officer, Narsimha Rao, also known as Gopi, before fleeing the scene.
As a result of the attack, Narsimha Rao suffered severe burns and irritation on his face, eyes, neck, and head. He was immediately rushed to a hospital for medical treatment. Rao has been a member of the temple committee and the in-charge of the temple’s cow shelter (Goshala) for the past 12 years.
According to police reports, Rao was present at the temple’s reception as part of his routine duties when a stranger approached him. The suspect, dressed in a yellow T-shirt, mask, and cap, introduced himself as “Naresh” and inquired about the temple’s “Annadanam” (free food distribution program). While writing a receipt, the attacker suddenly poured an unidentified liquid over Rao’s head and shouted, “Happy Holi!” before fleeing the scene.
Recognizing the severity of the incident, the police formed six special teams to investigate. The teams analyzed footage from over 400 CCTV cameras, which captured the suspect fleeing on a motorcycle. Based on this evidence, police conducted searches in multiple areas, including Dhobi Ghat, Chanchalguda, Chaderghat, Mehdipatnam, and Tolichowki.
A crucial lead emerged during the investigation when police discovered that the attacker had purchased a cap from a shop at Gandhi Bhavan Metro Station and had made the payment via the PhonePe app. Using information obtained from the shopkeeper, police traced the suspect’s phone number and arrested Raikod Hari Patra, who was identified as a temple priest.
During interrogation, the accused confessed that he carried out the attack on the orders of Raja Shekhar Sharma, another priest at the Bhoolakshmi Temple. According to police sources, Sharma orchestrated the attack due to personal enmity against Narsimha Rao. He allegedly paid the first accused ₹2,000 for the attack, including ₹1,000 as an advance through PhonePe.
