Huvina Hadagali (Vijayanagar ) : Priest Basappa Pujar has been suspended by Shantamma, the executive officer of the temple committee, for allegedly conducting a pooja with a portrait of actor Darshan at the historic Sukshetra Basaveshwara Swamy Temple in Kuruvatthi Taluk.

The incident occurred on June 26 when fans visited the temple to pray for the release of actor Darshan. At their request, Archaka Basappa placed a photo of Darshan at the feet of an ancient idol and performed a puja. This event was captured on video and went viral online. Subsequently, a notice was issued to the priests by the temple committee on August 7.

The executive officers stated that an inquiry has been initiated. Believing that intentional harm was caused to religious sentiments at the temple, they decided to suspend Pujar from his duties as a result.