In a startling occurrence, a historic pillar within the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi was marred, allegedly for affixing a flag during a recent event attended by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have issued a notice to Endowment Department officials, seeking an explanation. The ASI team discovered that a drilling machine had been used on one of the pillars to insert a nail. The incident unfolded when the poles were being cleared of decorative items after a flag had been attached during a function held the previous week.
An official from ASI Hampi Circle mentioned that the officer in charge of the Endowment department in Hampi was summoned, and a notice was issued. The ASI team meticulously documented the damage by capturing photographs of the affected part of the pillar. Given Hampi’s inclusion in the UNESCO Heritage Site list, even the slightest harm to its heritage monuments is treated with utmost seriousness. The official noted that it is essential to question why local officials did not intervene when the drilling activity was taking place.
Local activists are calling for the suspension of officials responsible for the act. They pointed out that during the Kannada Jyothi function attended by CM Siddaramaiah, the poles were adorned with the colors of the Kannada flag. Despite the presence of several VIPs at the event, local officials did not take action. Activists emphasized the need for heightened vigilance by ASI and Hampi management officials during significant functions in Hampi.
