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Lamp posts in Koppal, Karnataka (Image source: social media)
Lampposts installed on the streets of Koppal in Karnataka are set to be removed amid controversy over their depiction of Hindu religious symbols.
The Koppal district administration in Karnataka has ordered the removal of lampposts decorated with Hindu religious symbols installed on the streets of Gangavati taluka near Anjanadri hill, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman.
The development comes after controversy arose over the depiction of Lord Ram's bow, Lord Hanuman's mace and Lord Venkateswara's symbols on the decorative lamps.
According to multiple media reports, the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), the political wing of banned Islamist group Popular Front of India (PFI), lodged a complaint over the design of the lamppost.
In its complaint, SDPI noted concerns that the lights could spark community tensions in the area.
Subsequently, the district administration on Wednesday (August 28) issued an order to remove the lamp poles and ordered action against the Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Corporation for its role in the installation process.
At the same time, the order triggered a strong reaction from Hindu groups, who expressed dissatisfaction with the unnecessary and provocative measure.
Many groups said the lampposts were symbols of cultural pride and their removal destroyed the religious and historical significance of the area.
Similar lampposts have been installed in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, where the Ram temple was inaugurated in January this year.
