Congress senior leader V H Hanumantha Rao has expressed his displeasure over Banjara Hills police's non bailable cases against minister Danam Nagender. The leader, who was at the minister's residence, has extended his solidarity to Danam. He said it was unfortunate that cases were slapped against a minister. He further demanded that Stephen Ravindra, the deputy commissioner of police, should be transferred.

It may be recalled that Danam Nagender locked the main gate of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple (run by ISKCON in Banjara Hills on the note that the temple and the surrounded five-acre land-which was given to ISKCON-should be cancelled. He was of the opinion that illegal activities were going on at this place.

The reports said that the followers of Danam Nagender along with Danam barged into the temple and damaged the pandal (which was being erected on account of Janmashtami festival) besides throwing away the holy Tulasi plants. The sources said scores of people in Hyderabad were hurt with the act of throwing Tulasi plants and ransacking the temple. They even said that Danam Nagender allegedly tried to create communal disturbance and even law and order problem. Danam even reportedly abused a sub-inspector of police, who was on duty there.

Will Congress high command ask Danam Nagender to step down from the ministry post has become a topic of the town.

(AW Phani)