Refusal to fund ‘Rama Rajyam’ led to attack on Chilkur temple head priest, says police

The police have arrested six people, including Rama Rajyam organization founder Veera Raghava Reddy, for allegedly attacking Chilkur Balaji Temple's head priest, CS Rangarajan, after he refused to provide financial and logistical support to their group.

According to police officials, Raghava Reddy, who also runs a YouTube channel named Rama Rajyam, led the attack on February 7. A group of around 20 men and women reportedly forced their way into Rangarajan’s house near the Chilkur Balaji temple, engaged in an argument, and physically assaulted him. Following a complaint by the head priest, the police arrested Raghava Reddy and five others on Sunday and placed them in judicial remand.

Recruitment Drive Under the Guise of Hindu Protection

Investigations revealed that Raghava Reddy had been running an online recruitment campaign for a so-called Rama Rajyam Army. Through his YouTube channel, he posted verses from the Bhagavad Gita, urging people to join the force to "protect Hindu Dharma." He claimed that recruits would receive a monthly salary of ₹20,000.

The police found that on January 24, Raghava Reddy met with 25 individuals in Tanuku, Andhra Pradesh. After staying there for four days, the group moved to Kotappakonda, where each member contributed ₹2,000 to have uniforms stitched by a local tailor.

In February, after receiving their uniforms, the group assembled at a rented house in Yapral, Hyderabad, where they took photos and recorded videos promoting their organization. Shortly after, on February 7, they traveled to Chilkur in three vehicles and attacked the head priest.

“The case is under thorough investigation. Six individuals have been arrested and remanded in judicial custody,” said Ch. Srinivas, DCP Shamshabad.

This incident has raised serious concerns about extremist activities being carried out under religious pretexts, prompting authorities to scrutinize the group’s activities further.