Berhampur: Tension prevailed high in the town after a Hanuman temple near Gautam Cinema Hall was demolished following an eviction drive here in Ganjam district Wednesday.
At least 20 persons were detained by the Berhampur police following agitations.
The district administration carried out the demolition by 4.30 am. The officials claimed that the temple was illegally built on government’s land.
Protesting the move, BJP and Bajrang Dal activists sat on dharna and held demonstrations in front of the temple.
Protesters raised slogans and engaged in a scuffle with officials in an attempt to thwart the demolition.
“As many as 20 Bajrang Dal activists had to be taken under preventive detention to ensure law and order,” a senior official said.
PNN