MYSURU: A controversy has erupted after images of a cross and a mosque were reportedly painted on the compound wall of the historic Arkeshwara Swamy Temple in Edatore village of K.R. Nagar taluk, Mysuru district. Following objections from local residents, the taluk administration arranged for the images to be removed, and a police case was registered against two people in connection with the incident.
The incident came to light on October 18, 2026, and drew attention amid the ongoing Mysuru Dasara festivities. The paintings reportedly featured a cross in red and an image of a mosque in green on the temple premises.
The development prompted objections from local residents and members of Hindu organisations, who sought action and clarification over how the images came to be painted on the temple wall.
Taluk administration inspects temple premises
Following complaints, K.R. Nagar Tahsildar Surendra Murthy visited the historic temple in Edatore village and inspected the wall. The administration subsequently arranged for the images to be removed.
A police complaint was lodged against temple caretaker Aarti and artist Vinay, and a case was registered at the K.R. Nagar police station, according to media reports.
The circumstances surrounding the paintings, including who instructed the artist to create them and the purpose behind the work, were not immediately clear. Police are investigating the matter to establish the sequence of events and determine the roles of those involved.
The registration of a case does not establish guilt, and the allegations will have to be examined through the investigation and legal process.
Local objections trigger calls for action
The appearance of the religious symbols on the temple compound wall triggered objections from local residents and members of Hindu organisations. Some alleged that the paintings were inappropriate for the temple premises and demanded action against those responsible.
The issue subsequently attracted wider attention on social media, with political leaders commenting on the incident and questioning the circumstances under which the paintings were made.
Former Mysuru MP Pratap Simha also commented on the matter online, questioning why an image of a mosque had been painted on the temple premises. He cautioned against blaming Muslims collectively and argued that responsibility should be established based on the facts of the incident.
The differing reactions have brought the focus back to the need for a clear account of how the paintings were commissioned and approved.
BJP leaders criticise the incident
BJP Karnataka president B.Y. Vijayendra criticised the incident in a post on social media platform X. He described the paintings as objectionable and alleged that they had hurt the sentiments of devotees.
Vijayendra also criticised the state government and questioned the decisions of officials involved in the matter. He called for the people responsible to be identified and for appropriate legal action to be taken.
The comments added a political dimension to the controversy, with the incident becoming a subject of debate between political representatives and social media users.
The allegations made by political leaders remain separate from the police investigation, which will determine the facts and any individual responsibility.
Police investigation underway
The K.R. Nagar police have taken up the case and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the paintings. Key questions include who authorised the artwork, why the religious symbols were selected and whether the necessary permissions were obtained.
The administration has already arranged for the images to be removed from the wall. Further details are expected to emerge as investigators examine the complaint and question those concerned.
The incident has highlighted the sensitivity surrounding religious symbols at places of worship. Authorities are expected to establish the facts through the investigation while ensuring that the issue does not lead to further tension in the area.