Demolition of 'religious' place by Forest dept triggers stir

: A group of people Thursday held protests alleging their place of worship was demolished in Bhadradri-Kothagudem district by the forest department.

Denying the allegation, the forest department officials said the newly constructed structure brought down was not a place of worship and the structure was built illegally on reserve forestland that was allegedly encroached upon.

But, the local people protested demanding immediate reconstruction of it.

Also, they submitted a petition to the district Joint Collector.

A senior forest official said, "Without touching the place of worship and some houses abutting it, we demolished only the new structure which was around 50 feet away and built for pecuniary gains."