Wed Feb 12 19:35:56 UTC 2025: ## Andhra Pradesh Priests Protest Attack on Chilkur Balaji Temple Priest
**KADAPA, Andhra Pradesh (February 13, 2025)** – Members of the Andhra Pradesh Purohit Brahmana Samakhya staged a protest in Kadapa on Wednesday, condemning the recent assault on Chilkur Balaji temple priest C.S. Rangarajan. The protestors, joined by several temple managements and social organizations, called the attack “a blot on Hindu Dharma” and demanded increased protection for priests.
The demonstration, held at Annamayya Circle, saw a procession and rally where speakers highlighted the incident’s severity. Varanasi Sridhar Sharma, the organization’s district general secretary, lamented the attack, stating that priests, who pray for universal well-being, are being targeted without cause.
The protestors cited the widely circulated video of the assault, urging the High Court to take suo motu cognizance of the case, using the video as evidence. They believe this action is necessary to restore public confidence in the judiciary. The group emphasized the need for swift punishment for those responsible for the attack.
First Piper 